By Situated in the vibrant Flamengo neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, the Paissandu Apartment embodies a vision of space expansion and versatility. With a floor area of 110m2, the project sought to transcend the constraints of the original layout, fostering new possibilities and configurations. A pivotal challenge arose from the presence of five closely spaced pillars, centrally positioned within the apartment, which became the focal point of the design.
Embracing Irregularity: Raw Concrete as a Highlight
The design response centered on enveloping the pillars with irregular raw concrete elements, forming a striking feature that integrates the refrigerator and cabinets while establishing a circular pathway within the space. This juxtaposition of raw concrete with refined stainless steel furniture embodies the studio’s ethos of inhabiting the intersection between materiality and abstraction, evoking a surreal and sculptural ambiance.
Harmonizing Textures: A Palette of Raw Tones
To harmonize with the existing concrete textures, the interior features continuous techno cement flooring and walls painted in textured sand-colored tones. This deliberate choice imparts a soft and artisanal quality to the surfaces, visually echoing the rawness of concrete while offering tactile appeal. The resulting grayish-beige palette transforms the space into a versatile canvas for future interventions and creative expressions.
Fluid Spatial Configurations: Sliding Glass Doors
By removing internal walls, the apartment’s spatial divisions are delineated by sliding frosted glass doors, which introduce an abstract backdrop that interacts with light and shadow. This flexible configuration allows for seamless transitions between living areas and enables the creation of new spatial configurations, such as transforming the living room into an additional bedroom.
Architectural Focal Points: Concrete Table and Sculptural Elements
At the apartment’s entrance, an imposing central concrete table serves as a multifunctional architectural element, blurring the boundaries between dining and workspaces. Surrounding the structural pillars, sculptural concrete structures integrate stainless steel cabinets, defining functional zones while maintaining spatial continuity.
Integrated Living: Seamless Transitions
The integration of spaces extends to the bedroom, where sliding doors separate it from the closet and bathroom. A concrete countertop extends from the bathroom into the bedroom, facilitating functional use while enhancing the apartment’s cohesive integrity.
In summary, the design of the Paissandu Apartment redefines spatial boundaries, embracing raw materials and fluid configurations to create a harmonious and versatile living environment that reflects the essence of modern urban living.
