The São Paulo pad that’s greater than the sum of its parts
São Paulo’s prestigious Itaim Bibi neighbourhood is in a state of constant change, with new developments springing up all the time. However, one couple chose a block built in the 1980s to live with their child, drawn to its distinctive features which are characteristic of Brazilian modernist architecture. The property they bought had been converted from two apartment units by the previous owner, but the space still felt divided.
Searching for an architectural firm who could help them properly transform the two apartment units into one seamless home, they came across SAAG Arquitetura on social media. Founded in 2013, the award-winning architectural firm is led by Amanda Castro and Giovana Giosa.
‘The main challenge was to find a way to restructure the layout so the feeling of two units would disappear, creating instead an integrated space,’ says Amanda.
‘The low ceiling was compensated by generous windows, and it was from this that the idea of exploring pure volumes emerged. The goal was linearity, solid volumes, and symmetrical planes. We analyzed the existing alignments to intensify them. By removing any visual interference, the space was amplified.’
The first step was to tackle the zoning of the apartment. First they broke down the walls of the existing antechamber at the elevator exit and inserted a low console to welcome visitors and house a planter with a jabuticaba tree and a fireplace. The console also holds the painting Parque Lage by artist Flávia Junqueira, which has symbolic importance for the family.
Thus, the barrier that previously separated the two units was removed. However, the elevator block still divided the linearity between the rooms. They chose to make a feature of this cube by covering it with square ceramic tiles. A large beam between the units would have further segmented the space, so they decided to conceal it, seizing the opportunity to create an inverted coffered ceiling with diffused lighting.
When it came to the interior decoration, the clients’ tastes were as divided as the apartment had been, with one favouring a denser aesthetic and the other preferring softer elements. But both wanted the space to have a timeless feel, ‘blending sobriety and lightness,’ Amanda recalls.
The contrast between dark wood and light brick stems from the need to navigate both. ‘These were the foundations. From there, we added different textures, creating diverse sensory experiences. Mont Dore marble flooring, sliding doors with off-white solar mesh and white metallic details on the fixed furniture completed the material choices.’
The family played an active role in the design process, says Amanda, but even they didn’t appreciate the apartment’s full potential. No longer compartmentalized but one harmonious whole, where space and materiality are perfectly balanced, this is now a spacious and comfortable family home that plays to its strengths. saagarquitetura.com.br
