Boasting a distinctive layout with balconies seamlessly connecting both the bedroom and living room, this modern apartment in São Paulo, Brazil, exudes an exotic ambiance. It is an integral part of the iconic Higienópolis building, a masterpiece designed by the Polish architect Lucjan Korngold. Completed in 1949, Korngold, a renowned architect celebrated for his profound influence on landscape design, once chose the building’s penthouse as his personal residence.
Fast forward to the present day, and the talented team at Ana Sawaia Arquitetura has masterfully transformed a 230-square-meter unit within this historic structure. The apartment now serves as a sophisticated urban dwelling and a functional home office for its owner, a psychologist who conducts online consultations, blending professional utility with comfortable living.
During the extensive renovation process, the architects took meticulous care to restore and preserve the apartment’s original wooden floors. Crafted from exquisite Ipê and Peroba Rosa, these floors feature a charming checkered pattern, originally produced by J. Dip, adding a layer of historical authenticity and timeless elegance to the modern design.
Prioritizing comfort and energy efficiency, a significant update involved replacing the windows with high-performance laminated glass. This new glazing is equipped with a high UV protection film, effectively minimizing heat gain and reducing the reliance on air conditioning, creating a cooler and more sustainable indoor environment.
An innovative design choice for the media area sets this apartment apart: instead of dedicating space to a traditional television, the walls feature a specific projection paint finish. This allows for immersive projector viewing without the need for a separate screen, offering a sleek, minimalist aesthetic while maximizing functional space.
The living room beautifully integrates three distinct areas, subtly delineated by an unfinished concrete wall that harmonizes effortlessly with the verdant tree views outside the apartment. This thoughtful design creates an open yet intimate atmosphere, inviting natural light and connecting residents with the urban landscape.
This central living space also extends directly onto a spacious balcony, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. This extension space provides residents with a private urban oasis, allowing them to fully embrace an outdoor ambiance within their apartment. Imagine unwinding in a hammock, enjoying the fresh air, and savoring the serene green views of the surrounding trees.
The interior design is a testament to artistic curation, featuring a stunning juxtaposition of iconic furniture pieces from renowned designers such as Paulo Alves, Estúdio Bola, Paulo Mendes da Rocha, Flávio de Carvalho, Baba Vacaro, Carbono, and Giacomo Tomazzi. These masterworks seamlessly complement each other within a cohesive palette of warm browns and natural wood elements, creating a sophisticated and inviting aesthetic.
In contrast, the kitchen area adopts a more sleek and contemporary style with an L-shaped layout, complete with a functional island that doubles as an informal dining space. Both the upper and lower kitchen cabinets, as well as the island, utilize the same rich wood material found throughout the home’s interior, ensuring aesthetic continuity. This warmth is balanced with a stylish steel-framed table, providing a durable and elegant surface perfectly suited for all culinary endeavors.
Text by Dwi Sari
Photo Source: André Scarpa / Ana Sawaia Arquitetura
Summary
This modern, exotic apartment in São Paulo, Brazil, is situated in the iconic Higienópolis building, designed by architect Lucjan Korngold in 1949. Ana Sawaia Arquitetura transformed the 230-square-meter unit into a sophisticated urban dwelling and home office. The renovation meticulously restored original wooden floors and replaced windows with high-performance, UV-protected glass for energy efficiency.
Innovative design elements include a projection paint finish for immersive viewing in the media area and a living room that blends three spaces, extending onto a spacious balcony. The interior features iconic furniture pieces in a cohesive palette of warm browns and natural wood. The L-shaped kitchen maintains aesthetic continuity with consistent wood materials and a stylish steel-framed table.