The project was developed for a couple with a strong appreciation for art, bespoke design, and shared living experiences. The brief was based on the desire to create a space that balanced sophistication and warmth, where the home could function both as a place for contemplation and for gathering. The relationship with time, the permanence of materials, and the appreciation of everyday rituals emerged as fundamental pillars throughout the project’s development.
The homeowners wanted an apartment that would not reveal itself entirely at first glance, but rather provide a gradual and sensitive architectural experience. There was also the intention to integrate art, furniture, and architecture organically, avoiding decorative excesses and prioritizing a sophisticated, serene, and timeless atmosphere.
These expectations were met through the creation of a spatial narrative marked by contrasts between compression and expansion, introspection and social interaction, as well as through a rigorous curation of natural materials, artworks, and iconic pieces of Brazilian and international design.
This is a complete renovation involving a full interior design overhaul and a partial reconfiguration of the social area. The former balcony was incorporated into the living room, expanding the social spaces and strengthening the connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape. The internal layout was reorganized to create greater fluidity between the social environments, establishing different areas for gathering and everyday living.
Yes. The electrical, plumbing, and HVAC infrastructures were fully updated to meet the new project requirements and ensure greater technical efficiency. Structural and lighting adjustments were also carried out to enable:
● incorporation of the balcony into the living room;
● installation of the climate-controlled wine cellar;
● implementation of integrated ambient lighting;
● installation of gourmet kitchen equipment;
● integration of automation and audiovisual systems.
The project is based on the idea that architecture should not be understood instantly, but experienced gradually. The concept stems from the creation of a spatial narrative in which light, materiality, and scale guide the eye and the body through different atmospheres.
There is a deliberate pursuit of permanence—of materials, encounters, and everyday rituals—in contrast to the speed and disposable logic of contemporary life.
The main starting point was the creation of a spatial tension between containment and openness. The entrance hall, clad in natural American walnut veneer, functions as a space of perceptual compression that precedes the luminous expansion of the living area.
This sequence establishes the rhythm of the architectural experience and organizes the entire narrative of the apartment.
Yes. The privileged relationship with the surrounding landscape and the generosity of the social areas were preserved and further enhanced. The integration of the former balcony into the living room strengthened this connection to natural light and amplified the sense of spaciousness. In addition, meaningful personal elements belonging to the clients, such as the jacaranda tree root sourced from the family’s farm, were incorporated into the project as central pieces within the overall composition.
One of the main challenges was balancing spaciousness and warmth within an extensive social area. The solution was to create different gathering “islands” through the strategic arrangement of furniture, preserving a human scale and allowing for multiple forms of occupancy.
Another challenge was ensuring conceptual unity between spaces with distinct functions. This was achieved through material continuity, the recurring use of American walnut, ambient lighting, and an integrated curation of art, design, and architecture.
The materials were selected based on criteria of permanence, naturality, and graceful aging. The project prioritizes surfaces that gain depth and character over time.
Among the standout materials are:
● natural American walnut veneer;
● Verde Guatemala marble;
● sculpted marble in the powder room;
● natural brass;
● cumaru mashrabiya screens;
● stainless steel crafted by Mekal.
The material palette was also chosen to balance sophistication, durability, and tactile richness, reinforcing the project's serene and timeless atmosphere.
Entrance Hall - The entrance hall functions as a space of transition and perceptual preparation. Clad in American walnut, it compresses the scale and slows the gaze before the opening into the living area. Artworks and iconic pieces of Brazilian design structure the composition.
Powder Room - Carved from marble and brass, the powder room takes on an almost ritualistic character. Ambient lighting and the use of reflections amplify the sense of space and transform the room into a contemplative experience. Home Office - Conceived as a space for concentration and permanence, the home office prioritizes comfort, silence, and introspection. The furnishings reinforce an atmosphere of retreat and focus.
Living Room - The living room serves as the home's primary social space. Its connection to the surrounding landscape, along with the fireplace, artworks, and designer furniture, creates a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere organized into different zones for gathering and relaxation.
Dining Room - The dining room was conceived as a space that celebrates the ritual of gathering. The Verde Guatemala marble table and carefully designed lighting reinforce the idea of dining as a moment of presence and unhurried connection.
Gourmet Area and Wine Cellar - Positioned at the center of the social area, the gourmet space integrates food preparation and social interaction. The climate-controlled wine cellar preserves the clients’ wine collection and reinforces the relationship between the space, memory, and celebration.
Breakfast Area and Family Lounge - More relaxed and welcoming, this space prioritizes family interaction and extended stays. The table crafted from a jacaranda tree root sourced from the family’s farm becomes the emotional centerpiece of the room.
Kitchen - The kitchen combines technical precision with domestic warmth. The stainless-steel island by Mekal organizes the functionality of the space, while the American walnut conceals appliances and reinforces the apartment’s visual continuity.
Yes. The table crafted from a jacaranda tree root sourced from the clients’ farm holds significant emotional and symbolic value within the project. In addition, the project features works by artists as Gonçalo Ivo, Arcangelo Ianelli, and Mariana Palma, as well as historic pieces of Brazilian and international design by Joaquim Tenreiro, Jorge Zalszupin, Sergio Rodrigues, Finn Juhl, and Hans J. Wegner.