At the heart of the renovation was a desire to transform the apartment into a home that feels immediately welcoming, capturing both the property’s original character and the dynamic, contemporary spirit of its vibrant neighbourhood. The design team meticulously restored key period features, such as the ornate ceiling moldings, while seamlessly infusing a cosmopolitan flair throughout the interior.
The renovation involved a complex process of transformation, stripping away layers of cement patches, previous renovations, and botched repairs. In their place, a robust, eco-friendly foundation was established using lime-based plaster, a material that pays homage to traditional craftsmanship. This choice allowed the walls to breathe, yielding a velvety matte finish that not only repels fungi but also purifies the air by capturing pollutants. Complemented by concrete flooring in some rooms and refurbished hardwood in others, the plastered walls bring a soothing ambiance to the spaces, while bespoke furnishings made from wood, granite, and marble add rich textures.
Custom-made elements were integral to the renovation, each crafted in collaboration with skilled local artisans who used natural materials in a sustainable manner. From the hand-carved wooden headboard in the master bedroom and the marble washbasin in the principal bathroom, to the handmade solid brass door handles and the wave-shaped granite backsplash in the kitchen—described by the designers as “a projection of the client’s voice soundwaves, or chitchat over great food”—every detail was thoughtfully designed to feel as though it had always belonged to the space.