An Architect’s Own Apartment in São Paulo

Designed as his own residence, AC Apartment by Arthur Casas is a synthesis of technical precision, functionality and personal narrative. Located in Praça Henrique Monteiro, a mixed-use complex also designed by the architect, the apartment is conceived as a direct extension of his thinking on architecture, design and urban life.

Every decision, from the organization of the plan to the detailing of the carpentry, reflects a conscious adaptation to everyday use. The result is a residence that combines spatial fluidity, integrated systems and aesthetic intention, while marking a significant shift in the architect’s way of living: from a 1940s house in Pacaembu, designed by Artigas, to a more compact, contemporary and practical urban apartment.

A 300 sq.m. Plan Without Residual Space

With an area of approximately 300 sq.m., the apartment was designed to eliminate unused spaces and prioritize direct circulation, functional clarity and versatile environments. Full automation, custom-made solutions and extensive use of natural materials create an atmosphere that is precise but welcoming, controlled but lived-in.

The interior also functions as a calm background for Arthur Casas’ personal collection of artworks, sculptures, books, photographs, cherished objects and design pieces. As the architect notes, designing for himself was, in his words, easy: he knew what he liked and how he lived.

 

 

A Continuous Social Area

Upon entering the apartment, the integration of spaces is immediately apparent. The door opens into a continuous social area, where the living room, dining room, home theater and kitchen are connected through a single architectural gesture. Circulation is fluid and unobstructed, while fixed elements organize the space naturally.

In the living room, the Fusca sofa by Arthur Casas for Micasa occupies a central position, accompanied by Bauhaus chairs by Franco Albini, the Elda armchair by Joe Colombo and a Desenho coffee table by Arthur Casas. The atmosphere is strongly shaped by art, with works by Mira Schendel, Carlito Carvalhosa, Anna Maria Maiolino and Waltércio Caldas, among others.

Dining Room, Kitchen and Integrated Carpentry

The transition to the dining room is seamless. A dining table in canela wood slats, designed by Arthur Casas, is surrounded by Flair’o chairs from B&B Italia, while sculptures by Rafael Oboé, Liuba Wolf, Ilha do Ferro and Rhodes contribute to the layered character of the space. A painting by Paulo Pasta marks the wall, while embedded fixtures in the continuous wooden ceiling provide precise lighting throughout the apartment.

The kitchen features the Disco stool by Arthur Casas for Studio Objeto and Neolith Basalt Grey countertops, integrated into a custom carpentry structure designed by the architect. The cabinetry conceals appliances and optimizes storage, allowing the kitchen either to merge with the social area or to be closed off by a sliding door, according to use.

 

 

Home Theater and Multifunctional Office

Adjacent to the kitchen, the home theater revisits the Fusca sofa, now combined with the Tavolino 1932 side table by Gio Ponti, the Marsala armchair by Michael Ducaroy for Ligne Roset and a tapestry by Henri Laurens. Shelves display sculptures, ceramics and plates by Livia Gorka, Pablo Picasso and Jean Lurçat, alongside books and personal objects.

Between the social and intimate areas, the office operates as a multifunctional room. It serves as a workspace, while also accommodating a bed for visits from one of the architect’s children. The room features the Pivot High stool by Vitra and a collection of Arthur Casas’ miniature cars, displayed in custom-designed niches.

A Wooden Transition to the Private Areas

The corridor leading to the bedrooms is lined in wood, creating a quiet transition toward the private areas of the apartment. Along the walls, a collection of photographs includes works by Pierre Verger, Mario Cravo Neto, Bob Wolfenson and Cristiano Mascaro, turning circulation into a gallery-like sequence.

In the master suite, the atmosphere is defined by subtle lighting, vintage table lamps, technical fixtures such as the Ledtube by Marset, a continuous wooden ceiling and custom-designed furniture. A Giuseppe Scapinelli armchair and a Via Appia marble nightstand complete the room, alongside works by artists including Tarsila do Amaral, Emiliano Di Cavalcanti, Athos Bulcão and Flávio de Carvalho.

 

 

Technology, Precision and Atmosphere

Every technical detail was integrated with precision: central vacuum, embedded sound system, invisible air conditioning, anti-moisture system, intelligent sensors and full automation. Lighting fixtures by XAL highlight the artworks and materials with precise light distribution, without competing with the architecture.

This technical control supports the apartment’s broader atmosphere. The project is not only about efficiency or display, but about creating a living environment where infrastructure disappears into the architecture and allows materials, art and daily life to take the foreground.

Architecture Experienced at Scale 1:1

Living in an apartment he designed himself, from the building and plan to finishes and furniture, gives Arthur Casas the opportunity to experience his architecture at full scale. Praça Henrique Monteiro, which brings together hotel, restaurant, boulangerie, jazz club and residences within one complex, is understood by the architect as a living organism in constant adaptation.

For Casas, the apartment could not be separated from the wider project. Its meaning lies in the continuity of language between the residence, the tower and the other programs of the complex. AC Apartment is therefore both a private home and a lived manifesto: a compact urban residence shaped by architecture, art, memory and the routines of everyday life.

Continuous dialogue

Set within a site of remarkable natural beauty and surrounded by a golf course, the residence is conceived as an architectural composition that seeks to integrate seamlessly with its landscape. Through a careful articulation of volumetry and material expression, the project balances an extensive program with a sense of spatial clarity and harmony. The L-shaped plan is positioned at a slightly elevated level relative to the street, allowing unobstructed panoramic views across the otherwise flat terrain. This gesture establishes a gradual spatial transition while encouraging a continuous dialogue between interior and exterior environments.

 

Design Philosophy

The formal language of the residence is defined by the interplay of strong horizontal lines and a series of nuanced geometric transformations. Corners are beveled, curved, or inclined, generating a dynamic architectural composition that combines precision with expressive fluidity. The material palette reinforces this relationship with the surrounding landscape, employing light and earthy tones that enhance visual continuity. Wood elements, applied in panels and ceilings, are paired with a metal structure, while exposed light concrete introduces a subtle contrast against the warmer textures of the ground floor. A large, slatted panel on the upper level further accentuates the sense of lightness, contributing to the layered articulation of the façade.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The architectural composition unfolds through a clear organizational strategy that divides the residence into two primary volumes. A longitudinal wing accommodates the private program, including three suites, a physiotherapy space, and a home office, while a transversal volume concentrates the social and service areas, such as the kitchen, dining space, and auxiliary functions. Upon entry, gently inclined and curved walls guide movement toward the main living area, establishing a fluid spatial sequence that connects directly with the leisure zones. The integration of amenities, including sauna, spa, gym, and children’s area, is enhanced by retractable glass panels, allowing for flexibility and continuity. This entire leisure front is illuminated by zenithal natural light, ensuring both privacy and spatial clarity.

 

 

Lighting Design & Materials

Large, glazed surfaces establish a constant visual connection with the surrounding landscape, framing views and reinforcing the contemplative character of the residence. Architectural elements such as pergolas and inclined planes modulate light and shadow across the façades, introducing temporal variation throughout the day. On the upper floor, the master suite and additional bedrooms are arranged along the axes of the L-shaped plan, complemented by workspaces that benefit from the tranquility of the setting. A metal slat screen filters natural light while preserving privacy, and a continuous metallic eave outlines the volume with refined subtlety. Internally, the design language mirrors the exterior, combining warm tones, natural light, curated artworks, and selected furniture pieces into a cohesive and elegant spatial experience.

 

Pure brickwork

The residence unfolds beneath the generous canopy of a leafy São Paulo neighborhood near Parque Ibirapuera. Designed for a family that values openness and an abundance of natural light, the 560m² residence reflects a philosophy rooted in harmony with nature and sustainable living.

 

Design Philosophy

Instead of demolishing the existing structure, the project sought to preserve and reinterpret it -reducing environmental impact while honoring architectural memory. This approach resonates with the owners’ longstanding commitment to environmental protection and animal welfare, turning the residence into both a home and a statement of values. The proximity to Parque Ibirapuera reinforces the home’s connection to urban vegetation. Existing trees were preserved, new tropical species were introduced, and the landscape was designed as a seamless extension of the architecture -transforming the house into a tranquil urban refuge.

The residence respects both the physical and cultural context of the neighborhood. The design retains original proportions and openings, subtly integrating contemporary interventions with restraint. The result is a home that enhances aesthetics and functionality without erasing its identity. By preserving the essence of the existing building and complementing it with modern architectural gestures, the project achieves a balance between conservation and innovation.

 

 

Functional Layout

The residence is organized across two volumes: a primary two-story block at the front of the lot and a secondary annex at the rear. A central courtyard connects them physically and visually, encouraging cross-ventilation and strengthening the dialogue with the garden. The annex accommodates an office and service areas on the ground floor, while the upper level houses a private guest suite, offering both comfort and seclusion. Inside the main volume, fluid social spaces promote interaction and continuity. The ground floor features luminous interiors where large, glazed openings and strategically placed skylights flood the home with daylight. A sculptural staircase commands attention at the core, guiding the eye and circulation upward.

The kitchen, dining, and gourmet areas align along a shared axis. Designed with flexibility in mind, the kitchen comprises two zones: a social area with a dining counter and a separate technical area for preparation, connected by a sliding door. The living room is defined by poetic lighting effects -circular ceiling apertures filter daylight softly, while a central fireplace anchors the space. Upper floors host the private and leisure areas. Three bedrooms occupy the first level, while the rooftop is dedicated to contemplation and relaxation. The home theater and game room extend the social atmosphere, combining daylight and intimacy.

 

 

Material Palette

The primary volume is clad in white-painted brick, evoking purity and timelessness. At key points, this brickwork continues indoors, reinforcing the dialogue between past and present. Warmth is introduced through wood details -seen in the entrance door, façade windows, rear deck, and interior millwork- that harmonize with the lush greenery.

Inside, a unified palette of monolithic flooring, stucco walls, and neutral brick details enhances spatial continuity and amplifies natural light. Bathrooms follow a similar clarity, combining terrazzo or stone floors and countertops with off-white tiles and wooden cabinetry. Furniture selections celebrate icons of modern and contemporary design. Together, these pieces curate an atmosphere of refinement, comfort, and timeless style.

 

Fluid integration

The residence has a built area of 300 m² on a 200 m² plot. The plan was designed for a social lifestyle, with fluid internal spaces and strong integration with nature.

 

Design Philosophy

Located on a street full of greenery in Jardim Paulistano, the residence represents well-planned contemporary architecture. The striking contrast between the floors defines the architectural aesthetic of the residence: while the ground floor is characterized by its transparency and spatial fluidity, the upper volume presents itself as a distinct monolithic block. This upper floor is surrounded by vertical Arkos slats that act as movable brises, concealing structural surfaces and modulating sunlight. This strategy goes beyond aesthetics, ensuring thermal balance, intimacy, and a unique identity.

 

 

Functional Layout

On the ground floor a large integrated social area unites kitchen and living room, opening to the garden through generous openings. Moving up on the first floor, two spacious suites ensure privacy and comfort. The penthouse is comprised of a versatile room and a sunny deck, offering views of treetops and becoming immersed in nature within the urban setting. Accessibility features include wide passageways and a lift, allowing long-term usability.

 

 

Material Palette & Vegetation

Durability and low maintenance guided the material choices. Specifically, porcelain tiles were used for the ground floor, while the exterior walls and floors were cladded with natural stone. Moreover, wood dominated the interior, used for the louvres, the panels and the joinery.

Lastly, the landscaping plays a central role. Tropical vegetation surrounds the house, creating privacy and a cozy atmosphere. A preserved pitangueira tree in the garage provides shade and respects natural heritage, while other species enhance integration with the urban landscape.

 

Privacy matters

Situated on a plot commonly referred to in Portuguese as a terreno de gaveta -a narrow, elongated site nestled between neighboring buildings with limited street frontage- this residence occupies a 10 by 18-meter lot, totaling 180m2. Due to the compact size and proximity to adjacent structures, ensuring privacy from both the street and neighbors was a key challenge. The residence itself spans 184m2 of built area, with an additional 70m2 dedicated to the rooftop.

 

Design Philosophy

To address privacy concerns while capitalizing on the sweeping coastal views, the design inverts the conventional layout. Private spaces, including bedrooms and a home office, are located on the ground floor, oriented toward a central courtyard. In contrast, social areas are elevated to the upper floors, establishing both visual and functional separation from the public street.

At the heart of the home is the staircase, a central vertical element that connects all levels while enhancing visual permeability throughout. On the ground floor, it begins with a masonry volume clad in the same flooring used outside, featuring clay brick steps. As it ascends, the staircase transforms: vertical steel cables extend the full height, supporting floating steps anchored to the wall, creating a striking architectural feature.

 

 

Material Palette

The residence is constructed with a mix of concrete and steel, materials that recur throughout the design in details such as bathroom partitions and stair finishes. Drawing from modernist influences prominent in São Paulo architecture, the design emphasizes proportion, verticality, and a rhythmic composition of horizontal volumes. The exposed concrete ceilings are a highlight, meticulously crafted with formwork designed by the architects to achieve a refined texture. Every detail -from the placement of lighting fixtures to the integration of embedded systems- was carefully pre-planned. Curtain tracks, for example, were embedded in the concrete slab during the formwork stage.

Expansive aluminum and glass openings frame coastal views, flood the interior with natural light, and encourage cross-ventilation, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing the need for artificial lighting and cooling. This integration of indoor and outdoor elements is central to the architectural concept, dissolving the boundaries between the two. Exterior-grade materials were intentionally brought indoors, reinforcing this seamless transition and creating a cohesive living experience.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The upper-level social spaces extend outward through deep overhangs with integrated benches that double as guardrails, giving the living areas a sense of openness and continuity. The kitchen, designed as a social hub, centers around a large island that facilitates circulation and interaction during gatherings. Furnishings include existing family pieces and new elements in wood and rattan, contributing to a relaxed and understated ambiance. Storage solutions are discreetly built into the staircase zone, with custom panels that blend seamlessly into the architecture.

On the ground floor, the bedrooms are shielded with wooden panels that ensure complete blackout and privacy. These are complemented by an Accoya wood brise-soleil, whose acetylation treatment enhances moisture resistance and durability. A soft, neutral palette defines the bedroom interiors, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Bathrooms feature metal-framed doors with textured glass panels, adding both privacy and aesthetic depth. The office, extending from the main volume, benefits from continuous daylight via generous glass frames and a skylight that highlights the floor textures. Its cabinetry mirrors the surrounding finishes, with concealed panels that create a clean, uninterrupted surface. The central table, supported by a single leg and cantilevered at the base, adds to the room’s light, minimal character.

 

 

Sustainable Design

Designed with local climate conditions in mind, the residence is protected from the strong northern winds common in Northern Portugal. This allows the interior to remain open and airy, even on blustery days. The rooftop terrace features a built-in pool that is sheltered from the wind and opens onto a secluded green area bordering the beach. Strategic ventilation openings- one on the rooftop and another at ground level -facilitate rapid cross-ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical cooling. During the colder months, underfloor heating throughout most rooms ensures warmth and energy efficiency.