Memorial Afonso Bras is a typical Vila Nova Conceicao high-end residential building located in Sao Paulo. The neighborhood boomed in the 1980’s with large apartment buildings that are characterized by low ceilings, compartmentalized floor plans and uneven floors; a revival of the 1960’s popular architecture.
The architectural challenge of renovating this 350 sq meter apartment was to create solutions on a pre-determined space and repurpose it for a modern family of 4, being 2 young children, an artist and a banker, all with diverse interests and growing necessities. The thought process was to take advantage of this young family’s lifestyle to deliver a whimsical yet sophisticated project; many solutions were based on their willingness to live in a fun filled home.
The interior design was predicated on the large terrace, boasting amazing views of Parque Ibirapuera, that are connected to the entire social area. In order to maximize ceiling height, we decided against leveling the floors and keep the steps in the public areas; to add a new HVAC system for the whole apartment (which was not a requirement in the 80’s) we lowered the ceilings in some strategic points to enclose the HVAC piping creating volumes and we added different colors to emphasize it instead of trying to hide it. Another technical solution was to remove recessed spotlights and replace them with a non-invasive warm LED linear throughout the apartment.
With a view to build a kid friendly home, we enlarged hallways and circulation, and rounded corners by installing wavy wood paneling. We also minimized furnishings in the public areas without compromising comfort and esthetics. The family room - home office area - features a long generous slate desk custom designed for the whole dwellers to work together and it is surrounded mostly by bookcases. The kitchen was built for thety to gather and interact, allowing for the children to cook and learn eating independence.
To take full advantage of the carefully curated client's art and mid-century furniture collection, we custom built the dining room table, sideboard, glass and mirror china cabinet adjacent to the double sliding doors leading to the kitchen; There is also a custom designed one-of-a-kind chandelier created with recycled Dominici glass from the 1960’s which well represents the household’s values and their playfulness mood. By custom designing the oversized white plaster ceiling sconces and adding a custom-made glass standing lamp, named “Boneco de Neve” we were able to add another dimension to the living room without the necessity of extra furnishings.
For the private area, we opted to keep the wood warmth by custom designing all furniture and light pendants in the bedrooms and dramatic glossy white and matte black modern bathrooms with all the 21st century amenities. The focal point of the kitchen is an exquisite black stone with a veined side streak island floating on terrazzo floors. The service area is equipped with a full laundry and a staff suite.
With sustainability in mind, we created an environment that is proudly invested on local Brazilian wood “cumaru”, featured on plank floors and wall paneling; Brazilian slate “ardosia”, used to frame most custom-made sideboards, china cabinets, family room desk and bathrooms. Different styles and layers of time coexist in a harmonious and stimulating way in this home.
Team:
Interior Design: Candida Tabet Arquitetura & Design
Construction: THM Engenharia
Woodwork: Marcenaria Embaúba and Marcenaria Plancos
Photography: Ruy Teixeira
Materials Used:
Marble: Marmoraria São Luiz
Lighting: Estudio IX
Floor: Indusparquet
Air Conditioning: Logi Project
