This 266 square meter interior renovation in Jardins, Sao Paulo, was designed for a family of eight living abroad. The layout integrates a double-height balcony into the living room and connects the kitchen and dining area with wood sliding panels. A cast-in-place concrete helical staircase anchors the space. The project uses a consistent minimalist palette: burnt cement, Navona Travertine stones, “tauari” flooring, and “freijó” wood with silk straw accents. Custom-painted fixtures and hardware match finishes. Electrical and HVAC systems were planned from the outset. Furniture features iconic Brazilian and international design pieces.
The inspiration behind this 266 square-meter project stemmed from the lifestyle and expectations of a Brazilian couple with six childre, all living abroad. They needed a serene and functional space in São Paulo that could host the entire family during occasional visits; an apartment that would feel effortless, elegant, and reflective of their minimalist sensibilities.
The core inspiration was the idea of essential living, expressed through a clean, unified design language and minimal visual interference. The architectural strategy was to integrate and simplify: the existing double-height balcony was incorporated into the living room, creating a generous, open-plan area, while the kitchen was seamlessly connected to the dining space via sliding “freijó”-veneered doors that can disappear entirely into the wall.
Material repetition was crucial to achieving the visual calm requested by the clients. Burnt cement in a soft “linen” tone was applied to floors, walls, and ceilings in the common areas, while tauari wood was used in the floor of the private spaces. Natural freijó wood cabinetry, Navona Travertine stones, and silk straw accents were employed throughout the apartment, allowing every room to feel connected by the same understated materiality. All technical elements—including lighting fixtures, HVAC grilles, and outlets—were customized to blend with the surfaces.
The sculptural, helical concrete staircase became a centerpiece and symbolic anchor of the project. Cast in place with serrated detailing underneath, evoking the brutalist influences of Brazilian architecture.
Each bedroom was tailored to the children’s needs: a bunk room for the older ones, a shared room for the younger girls, and a guest suite. The furniture selection includes icons of modern and Brazilian design, such as Oscar Niemeyer’s Alta armchair and Jorge Zalszupin’s Gávea stools, adding depth and cultural identity.
Ultimately, the inspiration behind the project lies in the quiet power of architecture to organize life. Through simplicity, continuity, and well-crafted materials, the space offers a refined and grounding retreat for a family always on the move.
