Residing between the vibrant landscapes of Rio de Janeiro and Angola, the owners of the Terrazzo Apartment sought the expertise of Studio Arthur Casas to design a sanctuary for their visits to São Paulo. With her background as a professional chef and his passion for expansive, open spaces, they presented specific desires that shaped the project’s vision. The focus was on creating a functional living environment, featuring bespoke furniture, a celebration of art, minimalist finishes, and cutting-edge technology.
The material selection process began with the decision to retain the original exposed concrete slab, which served as a striking foundation. To enhance this base, Studio Arthur Casas chose a flooring that would maintain a seamless visual flow throughout the space. The Terrazzo floor emerged as the centerpiece of the design, harmonizing all surfaces within the social areas.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Venetian floor of the Olivetti showroom, a masterpiece by renowned Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, the Terrazzo flooring was custom-made for the apartment. It features a cement-based composition interspersed with marble fragments arranged in precise geometric patterns, resulting in a rhythmically balanced yet deliberately imperfect look. This distinctive, tailor-made flooring exemplifies the Studio’s dedication to innovation, pushing the boundaries of design rarely encountered in the Brazilian market.
The meticulous choice of materials amplifies the modern spirit of the design. A sleek stainless-steel kitchen island stands in striking contrast to the understated wooden cabinetry, which cleverly hides appliances to maintain a fluid aesthetic. The ceiling, adorned with wood and housing integrated lighting, sound, and automation systems, subtly lowers the room’s height, creating an inviting atmosphere. Thoughtful acoustic solutions ensure that only the thickness of the wood veneer carries sound, enhancing the overall experience.
In the dining area, the leather and metal Tucroma chairs from 4Mariani are arranged to face the chef, promoting a sense of connection during meals. A vibrant painting by Beatriz Milhazes injects life into the surroundings, while Anish Kapoor’s reflective art piece plays with the metal surfaces, adding depth and intrigue to the space. The overall design harmonizes functionality with aesthetic appeal, making it a truly contemporary culinary haven.
Art curation plays a significant role in the social spaces of the home, highlighted by a striking sculpture from Túlio Pinto gracing the entry hall and a captivating piece by Krajcberg adorning the main living room wall. Across the room, the seating area is defined by the elegant Serpentine Sofa by Holly Hunt, the ethereal Ghost Armchair in glass by Fiam, and a collection of vintage chairs from Liceu de Artes e Ofícios. This inviting arrangement is enhanced by the vibrant Ettore Side Table crafted from colorful marble, alongside the rugged Lava Stone Tables by Maison Gerard made from volcanic stone. For illumination, Lune Lamps by Ecart provide stylish floor lighting, while subtle yet powerful track lights ensure the art is showcased in its true colors.
Transitioning into the home theater, the modular ExtraSoft Sofa by Living Divani features a wider seat on one end and a narrower one on the other, seamlessly connecting both areas. The television, cleverly concealed behind a mirrored glass wall, preserves the sleek aesthetic and continuity when not in use. Adding to the theater’s charm are two Karuselli Armchairs by Artek in a warm caramel and crisp white, serving as standout pieces.
The original floor plan was thoughtfully reimagined to transform one room into a home office, acting as a bridge between the social and private realms. With sliding doors, this space offers both privacy and versatility. At its heart lies the Jambu desk, designed by Arthur Casas for Herança Cultural, paired with the vintage Pollock Chair by Knoll. Above the off-white cabinetry, a niche showcases Terrazzo as a wall covering. The ambiance is further enriched by iron corten sculptures from Osmar Dalio and ceramics by Kimi Nii and Akinori Nakatani.
The office opens up to a hallway that seamlessly connects to both bedrooms. Here, the sleek Terrazzo flooring transitions into warm European oak wood, carefully selected to foster a more inviting ambiance.
On one side, you’ll find the master suite, adorned with a striking wooden sculpture by Tunga. This expansive room, draped in earthy hues, boasts a generous double closet and a bathroom designed for privacy, featuring separate sinks, showers, and toilets. Notable furnishings include the Delfino Armchair from Arflex, paired with the elegant 9 Table by Cassina, alongside the Tupi bedside table crafted by Arthur Casas for Etel.
The opposite side accommodates a second suite, perfect for the couple’s daughter during her visits. Above the bed, a captivating wall showcases photographs by Terry O’Neill, enhanced by eye-catching design elements like the Perch Coat Stand from Nendo, the Lurdes desk by Arthur Casas for Studio Objeto, and the Tubo chair from Wentz.
In the bathrooms, luxurious Carrara marble envelops every surface, from countertops to cabinet fronts, ensuring a harmonious blend between cabinetry and stone. The brushed graphite metal fixtures complement the gray marble veins, creating a unified visual experience.
Throughout the apartment, technology is seamlessly woven in, addressing the clients’ desire for automation. Motion sensors and discreet lighting are designed to remain “invisible,” with recessed slots and fixtures that emphasize a minimalist approach, serving as the backbone of the architectural vision.