WT Apartment by FJ55 Arquitetos
The 98-square-meter apartment in São Paulo, Brazil, underwent a contemporary renovation by FJ55 Arquitetos that balances the preservation of original elements – including an exposed concrete structure with pillars, beams, and raw-finish slabs that revealed the marks of time – with the homeowners’ need for enhanced spatial flow, as the new owners look to invite their shared passions and work-related activities through an integrated design.
Preserving History and Integrating the Owners’ Passions
Since the first visit to the 98-square-meter apartment located in São Paulo, the future owners immediately felt a connection to the history of the place. The exposed concrete structure – with pillars, beams, and raw-finish slabs – revealed the marks of time. However, the outdated infrastructure and rigid layout required a renovation that would balance the preservation of original elements with contemporary needs. To orchestrate the challenge, the homeowners invited architects Felipe and Jordan Perez from Brazilian architecture firm FJ55 Arquitetos.
Client Input Focuses on Unity and Interaction
In the initial conversations, the clients expressed a shared desire: to unify the spaces, creating a physical and visual flow that would enhance interaction between the various daily activities. Additionally, for the couple, who work from home, the traditional solution of an isolated office did not appeal.
Nearly All Walls Were Removed in an Open Proposal
The pre-existing floor plan consisted of two bedrooms and a clear division between the social, service, and private areas. For the open and functional proposal, the intervention removed almost all the walls, keeping only those of the powder room and the main bedroom. The cabinetry and furniture are responsible for organizing the activities.
A Design Based on Exposed Concrete, Matte White Paint, and Wood
The base is defined by three materials: exposed concrete, which is kept visible; white paint on the masonry, a solution found to maximize the reflection of natural light flowing through the large windows; and wooden planks covering the entire floor – except for the bathrooms.
Home Office and Music Corner Experience a Dual Functionality
Near the entrance, the Freijó wood cabinetry, arranged in an L-shape, serves a dual function. On one side, the workbench organizes the home office. Above, shelves in the same finish house the book collection, supported by French brackets that bear the weight and lend identity to the design. On the opposite side, the unit accommodates a turntable and a pair of speakers made by the resident – a tribute to the passion for vinyl records and music, now present in this new chapter of their story.
Living Room Design Favors Contrasting and Vintage Elements
The living room, at the back of the space, also reflects the harmony between the new and the old. The Strips sofa, designed by Italian designer Cini Boeri and found in an antique shop in São Paulo, joins the family heirloom coffee table. On the wall, a poster brought from New York. Other vintage pieces, acquired at auctions or restored, including the iconic Mole armchair and the pair of Kiko armchairs – both designed by Sergio Rodrigues – are scattered throughout the spacious room. In the hall, a work by American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat welcomes visitors.
Shelves Disguise Asymmetry While Bringing a Touch of Green
To address the asymmetry of the cantilevered beams, revealed by the removal of the walls, metal sheet shelves were designed to disguise the irregularities. A collection of plant placed on the element brings greenery into the interior.
Colors and Materials Were Chosen for Visual Unity in the Kitchen
In the kitchen, the Freijó wood-finished cabinetry reinforces the visual unity of the ensemble, while the countertops are made of marble slabs. In contrast to the orthogonality of the architecture, the central island has rounded edges and covered with terracotta-colored tiles, complementing the earthy palette. This element serves as a support for quick meals during the day.
Dining Room Design Promotes Interaction During Gatherings
The dining room is directly connected to the kitchen, allowing constant interaction between those cooking and those in the living area during gatherings. In the decor, the Litoral dining table by Jaqueline Terpins (Dpot) is surrounded by Diva chairs (L’oeil), and above, a UFO pendant light, designed by Fernando Prado (Lumini).
Electrified Tracks Were Used to Illuminate the Apartment
The apartment’s lighting is planned with electrified tracks that highlight the beauty of the exposed concrete slab without compromising its aesthetics.
A Wise Choice of Color and Texture for the Bedroom
In the bedroom, the proposal is one of serenity, with a neutral base that favors rest, featuring white walls and wooden-finished furniture. The suite is designed to complement the warm palette of the social area. The ceramic wall coverings follow a subtle chromatic transition, with the lower part in terracotta and the upper part in white, creating a play of textures that extends to the countertop. The sink, in the same tone, and the wooden cabinet complete the composition.
A Careful Project that Blends the Building’s Story with the Owners’ Needs
This renovation project, carefully conceived and executed, is a true ode to time, where the building’s history blends with the need to adapt to the dynamics of contemporary life. Aesthetics, functionality, and comfort are in every detail, offering the owners a home that reflects both the past and the present, in perfect harmony.
Photography by André Mortatti
Visit FJ55 Arquitetos
