Located in the Flamingo community of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this 110 square meter apartment is designed to expand the existing space defined by the original layout, creating new possibilities and changes. The main challenge comes from the five slender pillars, which are close to each other and centrally located, which ultimately became the basic premise of the project. We chose to surround them with irregular original concrete elements, which became a highlight, enclosing the refrigerator and cupboards and creating a circular corridor in the environment.

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Since one of the premises of the studio is to cross the boundary between matter and abstraction, we decided to adopt concrete beams and columns, as well as mostly stainless steel furniture. This contrast between the original and the refined is intended to evoke a space that is surreal, fantastical and sculptural. Continuous cement floors and walls and ceilings in original tones are designed to harmonize with the texture of existing concrete. Thus, the walls are covered with textured sand paint, giving one an irregular handmade texture, soft and delicate to the touch, while visually reminiscent of original concrete. This results in a gray-beige tone of the interior, consistent with the structure, and transforms the environment into a “blank canvas”.

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By demolishing the walls of the apartment, the beam structure itself marks out the space, which are separated by sliding frosted glass doors, creating an abstract background that not only reflects light, but also reflects the subtle differences in shadows cast from the other side. The multiple configurations of the apartment both allow closing these doors to create a new bedroom, and allow them to be fully opened, revealing a fully integrated space between the living room, office and kitchen.

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Near the entrance to the apartment there is a central concrete table, fixed on a structural column. It is considered a large floating overall structure that establishes a relationship between the roughness of the material and the lightness of its suspension, presenting itself as an important architectural element in the project. Its location in the environment also highlights the versatility of the space, which can be used both as a dining table and as a workspace.

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Sculpt the concrete structure in direct proportion to the table and placed around existing columns. It integrates stainless steel cabinets — the material of choice for the kitchen. This relationship is maximized in the social bathroom, whose walls are completely covered with untreated concrete, which contrasts sharply with the reflectivity and brightness of stainless steel in large floating sinks. The pursuit of integration in all spaces is also reflected in the bedroom, where the bedroom is separated from the wardrobe and bathroom only by sliding doors. The wide concrete countertop in the bathroom almost starts from the bedroom and is used as a support for wardrobes, bedrooms and bathrooms, enhancing the integrity of the entire apartment.

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