April 20, 2025

André Home by StudioVA Arquitetos

Materializing the collection of memories of the homeowner – a recently graduated doctor from Porto Alegre (south of Brazil) – in his new home in São Paulo guided the renovation project of this 68-square-meter apartment designed by Vinicius Almeida of StudioVA Arquitetos. Envisioned as a “home in the heights,” the design focused on creating an open, well-lit space with a dedicated study area and ample storage, all while drawing on the client’s nostalgic connections to nature.

A Home In The Heights

Envisioned as a “home in the heights,” the design focused on creating an open, well-lit space with a dedicated study area and ample storage, all while drawing on the client’s nostalgic connections to nature.

Optimizing The Layout

To integrate the homeowner’s desires within the limited space, several interventions made to optimize the layout. The first significant change involved removing the frame that separated the living room from the balcony, as well as demolishing the walls of the kitchen and one of the bedrooms.

Seamless Environments

This allowed for a leveled floor, creating a seamless environment without visual barriers. The openness enhanced natural light and expanded the sense of space, further complemented by wooden flooring throughout the apartment.

Multifunctional Cabinetry

Multifunctional cabinetry played a key role in the design. Crafted in Imbuia wood, a long piece stretches across the entire length of the apartment, from the entrance to the edge of the new kitchen, housing multiple essential functions.

Storage And Culinary Workspace

It serves as a TV panel, kitchen countertop, storage cabinets, and even a shoe rack, while also concealing appliances and the service area. The linear design and continuous finish create a sense of organization, while the “floating” box, positioned below the ceiling, adds depth and amplifies the space. Above, plant pots bring nature indoors, fulfilling the homeowner’s desire to integrate greenery into the environment.

Spatial Flexibility

In the living room, an organic-patterned rug serves as the base for the Togo armchair, offering spatial flexibility for various uses of the space. On the opposite side, a central island made of Branco Alasca granite acts as a culinary workspace and provides an unobstructed view of the city—echoing the concept of cooking “in the heights.” The granite slabs were selected by the architect. Above the counter, a stainless-steel structure supports the pot rack.

Dining Area

The Tulipe dining table, an iconic design by Eero Saarinen, is paired with chairs from the homeowner’s personal collection.

Home Office

The former guest bedroom transformed into a home office by removing the walls and introducing modular frames with wooden, frosted glass panels. This system offers flexibility, allowing the office be integrated with the living room or providing privacy when necessary, without blocking the flow of light.

Nature-Inspired Elements

To honor the homeowner’s childhood memories, the project incorporated nature-inspired elements. A Jabuticaba tree, a nostalgic reminder from his past, became the inspiration for a custom bookshelf, featuring ebonized solid wood spheres that evoke a sense of support and stability. The Fly chair, designed by Tiago Curioni and awarded the IF Product Design Award 2024, complements the composition of the countertop.

Natural Materials

The natural material palette selected for the project reflects the shared concept between the architect and homeowner of creating a “garden in the concrete jungle.” Wood, stone, and plants coexist harmoniously, providing a functional and contemporary environment that also promotes well-being and a connection to nature, even in the heart of the city.

Bedroom And Bathrooms

In the bedroom, neutral tones prioritized to create a serene atmosphere conducive to rest. The bed linens, from Branco Casa, complete the peaceful setting. The bathrooms, finished with porcelain tiles, maintain the material palette and feature shelves that complement the overall design.

A Peaceful Retreat

The result is an apartment that not only meets the homeowner’s needs but also reflects his personal history and memories, while adapting to the fast-paced rhythm of São Paulo, offering a peaceful retreat.

Photography by Israel Gollino
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- by Matt Watts