São Paulo Home Reimagined With a Brutalism + Brazilian Feel

  September 8, 2024
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Located in a 1970s building in São Paulo’s Jardins neighborhood, Brazilian firm RUA 141 Arquitetura transformed the JB Apartment that both honors its initial renovation from 2012 and introduces new elements to create a cohesive, modern aesthetic. The renovation project, led by architect Mona Singal, sought to preserve the original architectural language while introducing fresh, vibrant elements. The social areas of the apartment retained the distinctive burned cement flooring, with additional lighting carefully positioned to accentuate the ribbed concrete slabs. A bright yellow sliding door and a painting by artist Gabriela Costa inject a playful dash of color into the entryway, adding a dynamic contrast to the neutral backdrop.

To soften the space’s brutalist feel, a selection of Brazilian-designed furniture and decor was chosen. Pieces like the Bank Table by Jader Almeida, made from polished Nero Marquina marble, and the Jabuticaba Lamp by Ana Neute add a refined touch to the interior. The custom-built bookshelf, crafted from marine plywood, was extended to embrace the living and dining areas, maintaining a sense of continuity throughout the home. In addition to the yellow door at the entrance, a red door opens to reveal passage to the private areas of the apartment, while blue doors in the dining room front a set of built-in cabinets, all rounding out the trio of primary hues.

Modern living room with white walls, striped rug, and a wall-mounted TV. Features a beige sectional sofa, armchair, leather bench, and round coffee tables. Indoor plants and decor items are present.

A bright living room with modern furniture, including sofas, a chaise lounge, a striped rug, and shelves with plants. The ceiling has exposed beams, and a large window provides natural light.

A modern living room features beige sofas with colorful cushions, a striped rug, a coffee table, and large windows with blinds. There are plants and a dining area in the background.

Several new design elements were introduced to enhance the apartment’s functionality and aesthetic. For example, a glass door was installed to seamlessly connect the terrace with the social area, providing a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Metal benches with thin profiles and integrated planters filled with tropical vegetation contrast against the raw concrete surfaces, bringing a natural vibrancy to the setting.

Modern living and dining area featuring a large wooden bookshelf with plants and decorative items. A white sofa, black dining table, and brown chairs are set on a light floor with a striped rug.

A modern dining room with a black table, eight wooden chairs, a blue accent wall, a shelf with plants, and a large painting. Exposed concrete ceiling with track lighting and decorative pendant lights.

A modern dining room with a black table, six wooden chairs, a large wall painting, and decorative items under exposed concrete beams.

A modern dining room features a black table with four wooden chairs, a large painting on the wall, track lighting, and a bookshelf filled with decor items. The ceiling has exposed concrete beams.

A modern room features a blue sliding door, wooden chairs, a dining table, shelves with plants, and a wooden floating desk under a window. Exposed concrete ceiling above.

Throughout the apartment, Brazilian design plays a central role, infusing the space with character, comfort, and a sense of lightness. Mona Singal’s vision for the project reflects a deep appreciation for local craftsmanship and design, resulting in a home that is both stylish and inviting, rooted in its cultural context.

A cozy balcony with a cushioned seating area, a small table, potted plants, and a cityscape view in the background.

Contemporary indoor seating area with green cushioned bench, surrounded by tall, lush plants, and a small table holding magazines. Sunlight illuminates the area, casting shadows on the tiled floor.

Contemporary bedroom with a large bed, brown and black pillows, a striped blanket, minimalist decor, a framed nature photo above the headboard, and a black mini pendant light.

The renovation also paid careful attention to the private areas. The existing wooden flooring in the bedrooms was replaced with new Tauari wood in a herringbone pattern, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of classic design. In the primary suite, materials like caramel leather and freijó wood nightstands provide warmth, while unique lighting fixtures and curated artwork introduce personality and charm.

Modern bedroom with a wooden headboard, a mountain landscape painting, a hanging pendant light, and a bedside table with a cup and a magazine. Blue and brown tones dominate the decor.

Modern bedroom with a neatly made bed, striped throw, wall-mounted TV, air conditioner, small window-side stool, and minimalistic wooden furniture. Natural light through partially covered windows illuminates the room.

A modern bathroom featuring a glass-enclosed shower, green geometric floor tiles, a wall-mounted towel, and a vanity with a plant and toiletries.

The apartment’s bathrooms showcase a range of artisanal materials. In the powder room, all surfaces are enveloped in ceramic tiles that offer a warm, textured feel, while in the primary bathroom, granilite surfaces are paired with black fixtures and natural wood details to create a refined, sophisticated look. Meanwhile, the children’s bathroom features mint green and white hydraulic tiles that lend a playful, yet modern touch..

Modern bathroom with white fixtures, wood vanity, and green tile floor. Mirrored cabinets reflect a glass shower door; a towel hangs on a black rail. A green plant sits on the counter.

A compact bathroom with a black sink, tall mirror, wall-mounted light fixture, soap dispenser, and a towel hanging beside Venetian blinds on the right. The walls are tiled in a beige grid pattern.

For more information on RUA 141 Arquitetura’s projects, head to rua141.com.

Photography by Cacá Bratke.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.





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