Exposed concrete, natural textures and Brazilian furniture define the renovation of a 130m² apartment in São Paulo, where a reconfigured plan opens the social areas while retaining visible traces of the building’s 1970s structure.

The Jardins Apartment in São Paulo by AVAA Arquitetura is a 130m² residence within a building dating from the late 1970s. Designed for a couple, the renovation combines a complete infrastructure update with a reorganization of the original floor plan, while preserving structural elements such as the exposed concrete beams.

Rather than concealing the age of the building, the intervention retains selected existing elements and places them in dialogue with new timber surfaces, natural textures and contemporary furniture. The result is organized around greater continuity between the social spaces and a material palette that connects the apartment’s existing structure with the personal references of its residents.

 

An integrated social area

The new layout gives priority to the shared areas of the apartment.

The previously enclosed kitchen is opened towards the living and dining spaces and organized around a large central island. The kitchen consequently becomes part of everyday social activity, accommodating both meal preparation and gatherings with friends and family.

Access to the service area is concealed behind a flush door incorporated into the timber panelling of the dining area. Secondary functions are therefore absorbed within a continuous architectural surface, maintaining visual continuity across the main living space.

The living and dining areas are designed to support different activities without requiring fixed divisions. A double-sided sofa separates a more informal sitting area from the television zone, while a continuous bench extends along the room, providing seating and integrated storage.

 

Existing concrete and natural textures

Materiality establishes a direct relationship between the original building and the new interior.

The exposed concrete beams are retained as visible traces of the 1970s structure, allowing the construction of the building to remain legible within the renovated apartment. Against these harder surfaces, timber and natural textures introduce a more tactile layer.

Woven straw has particular significance within the material palette, referring to the Portuguese background of one of the residents. The reference is incorporated through material rather than decorative imagery, introducing a personal element within the broader architectural composition.

Walls and ceilings receive textured finishes in neutral tones. Their uneven surfaces respond subtly to changes in natural and artificial light, providing variation without introducing additional colours or decorative layers.

 

A powder room within the existing infrastructure

The powder room is created by reusing the plumbing shaft associated with the former service bathroom.

This adjustment takes advantage of the existing infrastructure while adapting the apartment to its new social organization. A countertop in Verde Vitória Régia quartzite becomes the principal material element, its manually finished surface emphasizing the natural variations of the stone.

Travertine mosaic flooring is combined with green-toned wallpaper, establishing a more concentrated material and colour palette than in the main living areas.

A watercolor depicting the resident’s family home in Portugal introduces another personal reference, connecting the renovated apartment in São Paulo with memories of a different domestic setting.

 

The private areas

The main suite was enlarged to incorporate a generous walk-in wardrobe with light timber cabinetry.

The lighter joinery contrasts with the darker herringbone flooring, while a vanity positioned beside the window takes advantage of natural light. Rather than treating the room as a collection of independent furniture pieces, several functions are incorporated within the overall composition.

A rectangular ottoman introduces additional texture, while a bench designed by the studio combines curved geometry with a subtle colour accent.

The guest suite has a dual function and can also operate as a home office. In everyday use, it provides a dedicated space for the couple’s two dogs, allowing the room to adapt according to changing domestic needs.

Lighting without lowering the ceiling

Maintaining the original ceiling height was a specific consideration of the renovation.

Rather than introducing extensive suspended ceilings to accommodate services and lighting, recessed details resolve technical requirements while organizing illumination in the social areas and circulation zones.

Indirect lighting with warm colour temperatures and dimmable controls allows the atmosphere to change according to the time and use of each space. The strategy is integrated with a complete renewal of the apartment’s plumbing and electrical systems, together with preparation for home automation.

The technical upgrade therefore remains largely discreet, allowing the exposed original structure and the proportions of the rooms to remain clearly visible.

Brazilian design within the interior

The furniture selection introduces a further layer to the apartment through a focus on Brazilian design.

A dining table designed by AVAA Design is integrated into the social area, while Sérgio Rodrigues’ Moleca armchair forms one of the principal pieces in the living room. Furniture and objects by Gustavo Bittencourt, Jader Almeida, Estúdio Orth and Mel Kawahara complete the selection.

The furniture is therefore not treated as a separate decorative layer. Together with the retained concrete, timber surfaces and natural textures, it contributes to an interior where the existing architecture, contemporary interventions and personal references remain simultaneously visible.

A large-scale checkered floor extends across the social areas of a 200m² apartment, becoming both a graphic element and an organizing grid for family life, bespoke joinery and collected objects.

Brooklin Apartment in São Paulo by Küster Brizola Arquitetos reinterprets the traditional checkered floor as the defining element of a contemporary family interior.

Designed for a couple with two children, the 200m² residence was conceived around everyday family life, entertaining and the gradual accumulation of memories. Rather than using the checkered pattern as an isolated decorative gesture, the architects extend it through almost the entire social area, allowing its geometry to organize the relationship among the living room, playroom, game room, dining areas and kitchen.

 

A checkered grid across the social spaces

The graphic flooring provides the apartment with its most recognizable identity. However, its role extends beyond visual impact.

Repeated at a large scale, the pattern begins to read almost as a continuous rug connecting the different areas. The dimensions of the grid align with bespoke cabinetry and stone countertops, introducing an underlying order across the plan.

This coordination allows furniture and fixed elements to respond to the same geometry. As a result, the floor becomes an architectural tool that reinforces continuity between functions instead of simply defining individual rooms.

Because of its strong visual presence, the flooring also influenced the wider material palette. Predominantly pale surfaces provide a quieter background, while blue accents introduce a cooler and more restrained atmosphere.

 

Timber as a continuous interior layer

American oak cabinetry appears throughout the apartment and creates a common material language between otherwise distinct spaces.

Its warm tone balances the graphic floor and lighter architectural surfaces. At the same time, the joinery incorporates ceramic objects produced in the family’s own pottery workshop.

These pieces introduce a personal history into the new interior. Rather than being displayed independently as decoration, they are integrated into the architecture of the storage and shelving, connecting the residents’ previous experiences with their new home.

 

 

Defining spaces without isolating them

Maintaining continuity across the social areas was another central concern. A multifunctional shelving unit organizes circulation while separating the playroom, game room and living room without creating complete visual barriers.

The playroom provides a particularly clear example. The developer had originally intended this area as a home office enclosed by a conventional wall.

Instead, the architects introduced a delicate metal-framed partition. The element gives the room the privacy required for children’s activities while preserving its visual relationship with the adjoining social spaces.

The strategy allows different programmes to coexist without fragmenting the apartment. Boundaries remain functional but visually permeable.

 

Collected objects and family memory

The interiors also accommodate furniture with an existing history rather than relying entirely on newly designed pieces.

In the game room, a century-old Italian pietra dura table sourced in Florence becomes one of the focal points. Its presence introduces another temporal layer into the otherwise contemporary environment.

Together with the ceramics made by the family, the table reinforces a recurring theme throughout the residence: new architecture provides a framework for objects carrying personal or material memory.

The apartment is therefore not conceived as an abstract composition detached from its occupants. Its identity emerges through the interaction of precise geometry, bespoke elements and pieces accumulated over time.

 

 

Kitchen and balcony as a shared centre

The integration of the gourmet balcony with the kitchen creates a large continuous area dedicated to cooking, dining and entertaining.

At its centre, an island in Paraná Cromos stone acts as the principal fixed element. Its bevelled edges are repeated in the everyday dining table, establishing a formal relationship between the two pieces.

Guache ceramic tiles by Portobello introduce green tones into the kitchen. Together with the American oak cabinetry, they expand the wider palette of blue, green and terracotta found across the residence.

The kitchen is therefore treated not as a separate service space, but as an active part of the social programme. Its connection with the balcony creates a generous setting where everyday domestic routines and larger family gatherings can overlap.

 

Geometry, comfort and identity

Throughout the apartment, geometric precision is balanced by tactile materials and objects associated with the residents’ own history.

The checkered floor establishes the grid. Timber cabinetry introduces warmth and continuity. Stone and ceramic surfaces bring variations of colour and texture, while permeable partitions preserve visual connections among the different functions.

The project ultimately transforms a familiar decorative pattern into a spatial device. By extending the checkered surface through the social areas and coordinating it with the architecture, Küster Brizola Arquitetos use geometry to structure circulation, strengthen relationships between spaces and provide a background for everyday family life.

Located in São Paulo, MAS House is the result of a complete remodeling by SUITE Arquitetos, conceived with spatial integration as its starting point and materiality as a structuring element.

The residence was reorganized around the family’s daily life, strengthening spatial continuity and the relationship between interior and exterior. Throughout the house, light, materials and furniture work together to create a calm and coherent living environment.

The Living Area as the Center of the House

At the center of the residence, the living area organizes the social program, bringing the sitting room, dining room, kitchen and outdoor space into the same spatial field.

Conceived as a versatile environment, it accommodates different forms of use, from everyday family life to quieter moments, always oriented toward the garden. Large openings expand the sense of space and make natural light an active component of the architecture, changing the atmosphere of the interiors throughout the day.

The outdoor area is therefore present from the main living spaces rather than treated as a separate part of the house. The garden becomes a constant visual reference and reinforces the continuity between domestic life and the surrounding landscape.

 

 

Material Continuity and Furniture

Materiality defines the identity of the project. Brushed Brazilian travertine establishes a continuous base across the social area, while cabinetry in dehydrated oak veneer extends through the interiors and reinforces the unity of the composition.

Woodstone quartzite, integrated into niches and the dining-room cabinetry, introduces texture and depth. Together with fabrics, smooth surfaces and carefully distributed lighting, the material palette creates a subtly golden atmosphere without visual excess.

Furniture operates as an extension of the architecture. In the living room, the side table and the lamp establish a balance between form and materiality.

The sofa was redesigned specifically for the project. Its straighter and more pronounced lines give it a central role in the composition and reinforce the project’s custom-designed character.

 

 

Private Rooms and the Garden

In the private areas, material continuity and chromatic neutrality create a quieter atmosphere. The primary suite combines woven textures, fabrics and timber flooring, with direct access to a balcony that re-establishes the connection with the exterior.

In the powder room, marble is used on the wall panel and for the sculpted basin with a honed finish. Diffuse lighting emphasizes the texture of the stone without dominating the space.

Outside, dense landscaping surrounds the pool and creates a private setting removed from the pace of the city. Furniture with simple lines and durable materials supports continuous everyday use.

Through the relationship between spatial integration, natural light and material continuity, MAS House proposes a fluid way of living in which the interior, garden, furniture and daily routines form part of the same domestic environment.

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.

A Wooden Façade in a Densely Wooded Setting

Built from scratch in a densely wooded area of São Paulo, MLL Residence by Dado Castello Branco Arquitetura is introduced through a wooden façade that immediately reveals the project’s organic character. The house is conceived in close relation to the landscape, where architecture, vegetation and everyday family life are brought into a continuous domestic experience.

The residence does not stand apart from its surroundings. It is framed by trees, shaded paths and generous timber elements, allowing the built volume to settle softly within the garden while maintaining a clear architectural presence.

Landscape as an Extension of Domestic Life

A defining feature of the project is the way the landscaped pathways, designed by Isabel Duprat, appear to flow naturally into the interiors. This continuity creates a direct connection between the residence and the neighboring property, which belongs to the resident’s brother.

The gesture reflects an important aspect of the family’s daily life: the tradition of gathering for shared meals. Landscape is therefore not treated as a decorative frame, but as an active part of the house, supporting movement, encounter and everyday rituals.

A House Organized Around Family Connection

The relationship between the two neighboring properties gives the project a specific social dimension. The pathways do more than organize circulation through the garden; they reinforce the bond between two houses and the family members who inhabit them.

A wide canopy shelters the walkway toward the second house, creating a protected passage through the vegetation. This architectural element turns movement between the two homes into a daily experience of proximity, shade and continuity.

Tropical Greenery and the Social Area

In the social area, a striking wall of Monstera deliciosa forms a lush green backdrop. Native to Central America and widely loved in Brazil, the plant introduces depth, texture and drama into the interior atmosphere.

This living surface reinforces the project’s broader intention: to allow vegetation to participate directly in the spatial experience of the house. Greenery is not kept outside the architecture, but becomes part of how the residence is perceived, used and inhabited.

Generous Openings, Wooden Eaves and Spatial Amplitude

The residence is defined by expansive openings, generous wooden eaves and a ceiling height of 3.50 m, all of which enhance the feeling of spaciousness. These elements allow the house to feel both sheltered and open, protected from the climate while remaining connected to the surrounding vegetation.

Through material warmth, landscape continuity and an emphasis on family gathering, MLL Residence forms a calm and generous living environment. The project turns the house into a place where architecture and nature support a shared way of life.

Dissolving into the landscape

Located within a residential development on the outskirts of São Paulo, the project was conceived as a residence where architecture, landscape and everyday life operate as a unified spatial experience. It responds to a site bordered by a golf course and an artificial lagoon, establishing a careful dialogue between built form and the surrounding environment.

Rather than emphasizing monumentality, the design strategy seeks to fragment and soften the scale of the residence. The house develops primarily across a single horizontal plane, while secondary technical spaces and recreational functions are discreetly concealed within a lower level. This organizational approach allows the architecture to remain visually grounded within the landscape, reinforcing a sense of continuity with the terrain rather than imposing itself upon it.

 

Spatial Organization

The residence is structured around a central planted courtyard filled with native Atlantic Forest vegetation, transforming nature into an active spatial nucleus rather than a peripheral backdrop. This internal garden mediates circulation, light and visual continuity throughout the house, while simultaneously reinforcing the atmosphere of retreat and privacy that defines the domestic experience.

The program includes four bedrooms, expansive living areas and entertainment spaces organized around carefully framed views toward the surrounding landscape. The spatial composition privileges openness and fluidity, allowing interior and exterior environments to overlap continuously.

A generous covered gallery occupies the most privileged edge of the plot, overlooking both the lagoon and the golf course. In response to the Brazilian climate and its strong culture of outdoor living, this semi-exterior space becomes the social heart of the residence. Inclined concrete partitions regulate western sunlight, reducing heat gain during the afternoon while preserving visual openness and airflow.

 

 

Material Palette 

Material restraint and geometric clarity define the architectural language of the project. Concrete surfaces, controlled proportions and elongated horizontal lines establish a calm and cohesive architectural identity, while the interplay between solid partitions and open voids generates constantly shifting conditions of light and shadow.

The elevated swimming pool extends directly from the main living level, visually merging with the adjacent lagoon through reflective continuity. Its infinity edge creates a cascading effect toward the lower ground, transforming the pool into both an infrastructural and sculptural element within the composition.

The bedrooms, positioned toward the front garden, establish a quieter domestic zone where vegetation operates simultaneously as privacy filter and environmental mediator. Large openings reinforce the inhabitants’ connection with nature while maintaining controlled intimacy from the street frontage.

 

 

Construction

An essential dimension of the project was the collaborative relationship established between architect, clients and construction team. Specifically, the successful realization of the house depended largely on the owners’ commitment to preserving the integrity of the architectural vision throughout the construction process.

Despite geographical distance, the coordination between the architectural office and the construction company remained continuous and highly collaborative. This ongoing exchange enabled the project to maintain coherence from concept to execution, resulting in a residence where the built outcome closely reflects the precision and atmosphere of the original design intent.

 

Material coherence

Located in São Paulo, the project is conceived with materiality as the central axis of the design and spatial integration as the guiding principle of its architectural organization. The residence articulates a refined architectural language shaped by precision in detailing and a nuanced understanding of contemporary domestic life.

 

Material Palette

Concrete defines the structural and formal expression of the composition, lending the house a distinct urban character. In contrast, freijó wood veneer millwork unfolds continuously throughout the interiors, establishing a cohesive spatial narrative that connects diverse programmatic elements, from the home theater to the guest bedroom. Doors clad in natural banana leaf fibers introduce a layer of texture and tactility, reinforcing the project’s engagement with the expressive potential of materials. The resulting palette establishes a balanced dialogue between rustic references and a contemporary architectural language.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The spatial organization is structured through calibrated degrees of openness and enclosure, enabling a fluid and coherent reading of the house. The kitchen and dining area share a unified visual and material field, allowing for complete integration, while auxiliary functions, such as the wine cellar and support pantry, are accommodated in more contained spatial conditions. Circulation unfolds seamlessly, enhancing the continuity of movement and reinforcing the experiential quality of everyday living.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The relationship between architecture and nature plays a central role in the project’s conception. The gourmet area is organized around an existing tree, which is incorporated as an active spatial element within the design. The garden extends into the interior, operating as a natural continuation of the architectural framework and dissolving the boundary between inside and outside.

On the third floor, dedicated entirely to the couple, the primary suite establishes a direct connection with the exterior through expansive openings. The bathroom, enveloped by vegetation, extends outward to a terrace with a hot tub, amplifying the sensory experience of inhabitation. An adjacent office space is integrated into this level, connected through a custom-designed bookcase that combines storage, library and functional support, maintaining the overall spatial and material coherence.

 

Evolving environment

The interior architecture of the Brazilian headquarters of the global law firm White & Case, emerges from a refined exploration of how local identity can coexist with an international corporate framework. Rooted in a synthesis of tradition and contemporaneity, the project foregrounds the human experience while articulating a spatial narrative shaped by cultural, behavioral, and functional parameters.

 

Design Philosophy

The conceptual approach is grounded in a deep reading of place, where intangible cultural attributes and patterns of use inform the spatial composition. Every design decision, from the incorporation of Brazilian materials and artworks to the selection of furniture by local designers, operates as a deliberate gesture toward expressing identity without resorting to clichés. The result is an environment that is both welcoming and stimulating, fostering engagement through subtle yet meaningful references to locality.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The layout is structured around a continuous and fluid spatial sequence that connects communal areas, such as the reception, café, and landscaped terrace, with private workspaces and meeting rooms. Open-plan workstations are complemented by acoustic solutions, phone booths, and adaptable meeting spaces, supporting a range of working modes. Retractable partitions enable meeting rooms to shift between openness and enclosure, reinforcing a flexible and dynamic office environment. This adaptability extends to the reception area, conceived as a transformable space capable of hosting events or accommodating more formal, everyday functions.

 

 

Material Palette

The material palette draws from natural references, with wood and stone employed to evoke the textures and tones of the Brazilian landscape. A gradual chromatic transition from darker tones at the core to lighter hues toward the perimeter, enhances the perception of depth and spatial progression. Curvilinear elements in floors and partitions, inspired by the work of Roberto Burle Marx, introduce a sense of continuity and movement, reinforcing the project’s fluid spatial identity.

Finally, the project integrates structural and programmatic strategies that anticipate future change. By embedding adaptability into its core, the design responds to evolving workplace demands while addressing the broader issue of spatial obsolescence. The office thus becomes not only a place of work but an evolving environment, capable of renewal, responsive to context, and expressive of both corporate and cultural identity.

 

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.

 

Contrast and rhythm

The project is conceived as an immersive architectural project where experience and brand power converge. The ambition is to create not just an educational space for hair styling but a symbolic environment that reflects the values and identity of the company. Architecture here becomes a strategic tool, reinforcing brand presence through atmosphere, materiality, and spatial sequencing. The concept transforms education into a lived experience, highlighting the inseparability of design and identity.

 

Spatial Organization

The academy unfolds as a carefully structured environment where circulation, orientation, and visibility are designed to enhance engagement. Spaces are distributed to encourage interaction and participation, offering visual continuity between different programs. The sequence of spaces guides users through a journey, framing each moment as part of a narrative that communicates the brand’s values.

The building accommodates diverse functions: classrooms, laboratories, exhibition spaces, and gathering areas. Each program is integrated within a continuous flow, ensuring that learning, experimentation, and interaction coexist. The flexible layout allows for adaptation to different activities, supporting both individual focus and collective experience. Social spaces are interwoven with educational ones, reinforcing the sense of community.

 

 

Material Palette

The material palette was chosen to reinforce the immersive character of the project. Textures, colors, and finishes create atmospheres that resonate with the brand’s aesthetic language. Concrete, wood, glass, and lighting are used strategically to generate contrast and rhythm, enhancing both intimacy and monumentality within the academy.

 

 

Context Integration

Located in São Paulo, the Truss Academy is deeply connected to its urban and cultural setting. The project embraces the city’s energy and integrates it into an environment of learning and creativity. By merging architecture with brand identity, the academy becomes a landmark not only for the company but also for the city, demonstrating how design can shape cultural and educational presence in an urban context.

 

Ecological sensitivity

The proposal is defined by its dialogue with the surrounding landscape. The project’s landscaping seeks to blur the boundaries between built form and nature, integrating architecture with its setting through carefully orchestrated layers of vegetation. The intention is not only to frame the house with greenery but also to create a sequence of immersive experiences that unfold as one moves through the site. This approach emphasizes fluidity, biodiversity, and continuity between indoors and outdoors, highlighting the essential role of nature in contemporary living.

 

Context Integration

The project exemplifies the potential of landscape architecture to shape the character and atmosphere of a residence. Rather than treating the garden as an accessory, the project makes it the central medium for architectural expression. Through biodiversity, ecological sensitivity, and spatial layering, the design anchors the house within its broader context, transforming it into a living environment where built form and nature exist in genuine symbiosis.

 

 

Functional Layout

The residence sits on a generous 3,125m² plot, with 1,400m² of built area strategically placed to respect and enhance the existing topography. The garden is organized into distinct yet interconnected zones, each offering unique atmospheres while maintaining a sense of unity. The design incorporates sweeping lawns, shaded seating areas, and densely planted perimeters that create privacy without closing off the house from its natural surroundings. Circulation is guided by a network of paths that establish visual and physical connections between the various garden spaces and the interiors.

The program balances social and private uses within a framework where the landscape is ever-present. Expansive openings in the architecture dissolve thresholds, ensuring constant dialogue between indoor living areas and outdoor terraces. The swimming pool and leisure deck are integrated with planted areas, generating a setting where recreation and contemplation coexist. Service areas are discretely accommodated, ensuring that functionality does not disrupt the immersive quality of the overall composition.

 

 

Material Palette

The material choices reinforce the integration between house and garden. Stone paving merges seamlessly with planted groundcovers, while timber decking introduces warmth and texture to social areas. The planting palette is diverse and layered: tall trees provide shade and scale; shrubs and grasses soften built edges; and climbing plants weave vertical connections, linking architecture to its green environment. Water elements further enrich the sensorial qualities of the garden, reflecting light and introducing sound into the landscape.

Landscape Design: Rodrigo Oliveira Paisagismo

 

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.

 

Preserved materiality

Near the iconic Pôr-do-Sol Square in the Alto de Pinheiros neighborhood of São Paulo, a couple with two daughters and a dog acquired a beautiful house with vaulted roofs, originally designed by modern Brazilian architect Ennes Silveira Melo and completed in the 1970s. The project adopts an approach that respects the existing geometry and materiality of the house, preserving its original character while incorporating new elements.

 

Renovation Strategy

Besides the geometry of the roofs, the house featured exposed concrete structural elements that needed updating to meet the new family’s needs. The residence required a redistribution of the layout, as the split-level organization limited the integration of living spaces. With this challenge in mind, the main intervention was relocating the kitchen, previously small and hidden on the intermediate floor, to the lower floor, thus integrating it with the residence’s social areas, including the TV room, barbecue area, and garden.

 

 

Functional Layout

On the intermediate floor, which serves as the entry level, there is a generous living room organized into two distinct environments. The first dedicated especially to musical practice, while the second is more intimate, featuring a fireplace and designed as a library for the residents’ literary collection.

On the upper level, the office visually protected by the canopy of native trees. A generous restored wooden sideboard runs along the entire lateral facade, adding a touch of elegance and functionality. Despite the spacious areas and different levels, the layouts designed to bring coziness and integration, providing visual permeability that allows each social environment to seen from different points in the house. Finally, a linear balcony is created to connect the bedrooms and shade the living room on the lower floor.

 

 

Materials & Lighting

Key decorative elements are the rugs along with the carefully selected furniture, combining new pieces with items from the owners’ collection. The upholstery follows the earthy palette of the furniture, including sofas and armchairs in caramel brown fabric and leather. The existing materiality marked by the wooden floor and concrete railing carefully restored as well as all the windows and doors.

The natural light that enters the space through the glass facade reflected by the vaulted roof and white walls, maximizing the interior’s brightness. On the bedroom floor, the original layout, which included one suite, two bedrooms, and one bathroom, updated to three suites. Skylights were installed in the new bathrooms, taking advantage of the original architecture’s structural modulation. In parallel, indirect lighting fixtures such as wall sconces and linear lights illuminate the curved roof.

 

Visual flow

From the very first visit to the 98m² apartment in São Paulo, the future owners felt an immediate connection to its history. The exposed concrete structure -with its visible pillars, beams, and raw-finish slabs- carried the marks of time, evoking a sense of authenticity. However, the outdated infrastructure and rigid layout called for a renovation that could preserve the apartment’s original character while meeting contemporary needs.

 

Design Philosophy

The central challenge was to unify the spaces, fostering a physical and visual flow that would support interaction in everyday activities. For the couple, both of whom work from home, the conventional idea of a closed-off office did not resonate. They sought an integrated, open layout that encouraged connection rather than division. The original floor plan included two bedrooms and a strict separation between the social, service, and private areas. In the renovation, nearly all interior walls were removed -except for those enclosing the powder room and main bedroom. Activity zones are now defined by cabinetry and furniture rather than structural barriers. Three core materials create the base of the design: exposed concrete, which remains visible as a tribute to the building’s history; white-painted masonry, chosen to amplify natural light from the large windows; and wooden plank flooring, which spans the entire apartment except for the bathrooms.

 

 

Custom Structures & Furniture

In the entrance, custom Freijó wood cabinetry arranged in an L-shape serves a dual purpose. On one side, it forms a workbench that organizes the home office. Above it, open shelves in the same finish, supported by French brackets, house the couple’s book collection and add a distinctive design touch. On the other side, the cabinetry holds a turntable and handmade speakers -an homage to the owners’ passion for vinyl and music, now deeply embedded in their home life.

At the far end of the apartment, the living room reflects the seamless integration of old and new. A poster brought back from New York decorates the wall, while other vintage furniture punctuate the space, blending eras and styles. To address the asymmetry revealed by the cantilevered beams after the walls were removed, metal sheet shelving was custom-designed to conceal these irregularities. The addition of houseplants on the shelving brings a touch of nature into the interior.

In the kitchen, Freijó wood cabinetry continues the visual language, offering cohesion across spaces. Marble countertops add sophistication, while a central island -rounded at the edges and clad in terracotta-colored tiles- provides a softer contrast to the apartment’s orthogonal architecture. This island also functions as a practical space for quick meals. The kitchen flows directly into the dining area, encouraging easy interaction between cooking and socializing during gatherings.

 

 

Lighting Design & Materials

Lighting throughout the apartment is achieved with electrified tracks, which illuminate the exposed concrete slabs while preserving their aesthetic integrity. In the bedroom, a neutral palette creates a serene environment conducive to rest. White walls and wooden-finish furnishings echo the warmth of the social areas, while the suite continues the same inviting tone. In the bathroom, ceramic tiles offer a gentle chromatic transition: terracotta at the base rising into white above, creating a subtle interplay of texture that continues across the countertop. A sink in the same terracotta tone, paired with a wooden cabinet, completes the harmonious design.

 

Cultural fusion

The project aim is to transform the gourmet area of a 1950s old, modernist mansion into a space for meetings and celebrations.

 

Cultural Influence

The primary inspiration for the design development was based on elements from the African culture during the colonial period. More specifically, Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion, is one of the most expressive manifestations of African culture in Brazil that founded a strong cultural connection in the arts, cuisine, as well as other African traditions, which in turn, have heavily influenced the project’s design aesthetic.

 

Materials and Furniture

The materials are carefully selected, tying into the history of generations who lived in the land many years ago, and establishing a dialogue between contemporary and ancestral traditions. For example, the lounge area revolves around a key piece: an existing masonry sofa decorated with local works of art, while granitite was used for the counter and bar surfaces. Finally, kokedamas, a Japanese technique created to grow different types of plants in a sphere of moss suspended in the air, is used for decorating the exterior garden.

 

Colour Pallet

The colour palette is comprised of terracotta tones: a reddish-orange hue similar to clay brings a feeling of warmth, cosiness and connection with the earth, and refers to the organic and rustic textures of nature. The terracotta-coloured ceiling is inspired by the earth floor found in the Candomblé terreiros -places of worship for an Afro-Brazilian religion that has been practised in the territory for centuries.

Exterior interplay

The apartment is part of a residence complex with contemporary infrastructural amenities and leisure areas that focus on well-being and environmental preservation.

 

Design Approach

The client brief asked for a complete renovation of the interior space, integrating a cozy environment as well as an open-plan space with various artefacts. The most disruptive architectural gesture was the incorporation of the balcony with the living room, creating a large open space that promotes social interactions as well as a feeling of modernity and harmony.

 

Material Palette & Lighting

One of the main objectives was to maximize the natural lighting entering the apartment. As a result, a large opening is created in the kitchen, providing ample sunlight during the day, while indirect lighting and spotlights are used to make the space more functional and welcoming. The materials selection complements the existing wood paneling. More specifically, the joinery at the living room is made of reclaimed wood, while mdf in graphite tones is used for the kitchen cupboards. The lights and neutral fabrics bring out a lightness to the overall environment. Finally, a series of decorative artefacts and paintings are displayed throughout the space in minimal black and white frames to avoid any visual clutter.

 

Exterior Design

One of the biggest challenges was hiding the air conditioning situated on the balcony, without interfering with the existing hydraulics. A wooden joinery made of slatted doors that functions as a cupboard is positioned behind the sofa offering easy access to the air conditioning system, while maintaining visual harmony.

Refined character

The apartment, built in a privileged location that enjoys views to Ibirapuera Park, has a clever distribution of social, private, and service rooms, and benefits from natural lighting and ventilation, developing a pleasant connection to its surroundings.

 

Architectural Approach & Materials

The project integrates the balconies to their respective interiors and creates more ample spaces. This continuity between inside and outside is enhanced with indoor plants and a garden wall. The joined balconies, high ceiling, and view to the park in the living and dining rooms, provide a grand yet intimate space, consistent with the client’s request for a place suited to socializing and relaxation.

The social area and main bedroom display three main shades: cement, wood and black. Cement is the basis of the apartment aesthetics: it is displayed on the floor, walls, and ceiling. In counterpoint, wood tones provide warmth and intimacy, while black adds sophistication, in a variety of textures.

 

Spatial Layout

The redesign of social areas consolidates the entrances and organizes movements: Initially, five doors led to the living room; three were eliminated, and a single hall was created, with access to the elevator and to the guest bathroom. The slatted oak wall masks the doors and becomes a monumental piece, integrating all interventions. The minimalist concept is elaborated in the adjacent hall, a single volume that houses multiple functions, including the dining table and the fireplace.

The elongated, ebony-clad dining table doubles as a sideboard, a barbecue, and a beer and wine cellar, in one single unit characterized by simple, pure lines. A slender granite surface accommodates the fireplace and gently supports the TV counter, an oak monolith hiding all electronic appliances. The joinery of both elements is highlighted with a slim line, allowing ventilation of the mechanical equipment, and bringing lightness to the piece.

 

Custom Furniture

Minimalism characterizes all furniture; the interior features select pieces, celebrating Brazilian design. The sofa embodies all concepts at play in the apartment: It is a grand, monumental piece, with memorable texture in a simple design. Its modular configuration adds flexibility to the layout, and allows multiple uses, making it ideal both for celebrated social occasions and for quiet moments of relaxation.

Adaptable core

The project is located in the financial and cultural heart of São Paulo with the aim of promoting greater connection and quality of life for the employees. This hybrid concept -adopted by the company- influenced the design decisions and the layout functionality.

 

Functional Design

With 1000m² spread over 80 workstations, the space accommodates up to 200 people for events and collaborative exercises and is designed to offer well-being, motivation and fun. The layout is inspired by its privileged location and the panoramic views it offers. A central, 350m² space faces Paulista Avenue and includes stands, flexible furniture and an integrated area for hosting events for employees, clients and partners, thus reinforcing the concept of adaptability. The spatial layout avoids long corridors and complicated circulation routes, with the aim to create a fluid and efficient workspace that promotes interaction and communication.

 

Material Palette

The colour selection is based on the brand’s corporate identity, where purple becomes the protagonist, followed by shades of grey, orange, blue and green. The use of light wood, contrasts the colourful walls, introducing a layer of coziness. A hydraulic tile in the shape of São Paulo state, created by artist Mirthes dos Santos is installed in the coffee point area, paying homage to the city’s iconic sidewalks. Finally, a colourful mural by artist Ronah Carraro as well as loosely distributed floor and hanging planters in different sizes complete the space.

 

Lighting & Acoustic Insulation

The office layout prioritized natural light by positioning the main workstations close to the façade. In parallel, the meeting rooms are positioned in the centre of the space, becoming acoustic barriers between the eating area and the staff. Acoustic panelling is made from 80% recyclable materials, while an array of soundproof booths is situated close to the building’s core for additional privacy.

Colorful displays

The project features a 90m2 apartment, located at the heart of the city, which was renovated to meet the everyday needs of its residents, while preserving and highlighting the original characteristics of the property.

 

Layout Organization

Apart from housing the traditional residential functions, the apartment had to become reconfigured to display and store the family’s records and books. An open-plan layout combined with a series of lightweight, open furniture -instead of traditional wooden cabinets- accommodate all the collections, while providing a more fluid and looser aesthetic.

 

Custom Furniture

Key parts of the wall are demolished, uniting two separate rooms and creating a nook for a new storage closet. In parallel, the master bedroom is integrated with the bathroom, providing a more efficient circulation route as well as ample space for the collection displays. Walls and dividers are interrupted by asymmetrical openings that serve as visual connections between the spaces, holding at the same time irregular display shelves.

 

Color & Material Palette

A series of natural materials such as exposed concrete and wood, are used throughout the space. At the same time, different colors and patterns define different accent features such as the metal orange frames and red shelves, creating vibrant moments within the apartment. Finally, the entrance and kitchen floors are cladded with a blue porcelain floor, which serves as a discrete boundary within the open floor plan.