Refurbished in 2023 by Brazilian architectural firm RUA 141 Arquitetura, the JB apartment is located in a building from the 70s in the Jardins neighbourhood of São Paulo. The residing family had passed their vision onto the designers with straightforward notes: continuing the impact of the initial renovations in 2012 while adding fresh aspects that portray a modern and compatible aesthetic.1
The interventions have taken place while preserving the original architectural language of the building & the neighbourhood itself. For example, the elements consisting of cement and concrete materials were maintained to honour the design style rooted in the culture of brutalist architecture of the 70s. The burnt cement flooring was restored with a fresh finishing look, while the ribbed concrete slabs in the roof were stripped in the main hall to remain harmonious with the surrounding society.2
Mediation: Novelty of the Brazilian Aesthetic
Led by the principal architect Mona Singal, the renovation brought upon a fresh perception of the interiors, with an added touch of vibrancy through different elements. While the obvious intrusion of bright colours like red and yellow is prevalent to spectators, there are subtle hints of modernism through other decorative elements that enhance the overall cohesive effect.
The painting in the aforementioned image of the foyer area is by Brazilian artist Gabriela Costa, which creates a colourful symphony with the giant yellow sliding door right at the entrance of the apartment. The furniture and décor made by Brazilian artists follow the brutalist style with their delicacy and elegant lines. The Bank Table by Jader Almeida is made from the Nero Marquina marble and a metal structure, finished in polish, and exquisitely lit by Ana Neute’s Jabuticaba pendant light which seems to flow in space.1
The custom bookshelves made of marine plywood were expanded from the social areas to the more private areas like the main hall and the dining area, and this extension took place in collaboration with the company that had done the previous renovations of the shelves, the Baraúna woodworking.
A dashing intervention of the primary colours takes place surrounding the main hall: the yellow sliding door opening from the foyer to the passage, the blue door in the dining area that holds the in-built cabinets in the back, and the red door that connects the public areas to the private areas. Like this, the designers have completed this renovation project which now stands as an exemplary case in the architectural community by combining Brutalism with Modernism, paying homage to the history while creating beautiful harmony to the local crafts and artistry.
REFERENCE LIST:
IMAGES :
- Bratke, C. (2023). apartamento jb. RUA 141. (https://rua141.com/en/projeto/apartamento-jb-2-2/)
- Bratke, C. (2023). Apartmento JB. RUA 141. (https://design-milk.com/a-sao-paulo-apartment-is-reimagined-with-a-brutalism-meets-brazilian-aesthetic/)
BIBLIOGRAPHY/EXTERNAL LINKS :
- Williamson, C. (2024). A São Paulo Apartment Is Reimagined With a Brutalism Meets Brazilian Aesthetic. design milk. Available at: https://design-milk.com/a-sao-paulo-apartment-is-reimagined-with-a-brutalism-meets-brazilian-aesthetic/ [Accessed: 12 September 2024.]
- (2023). apartamento jb. RUA 141. Available at: https://rua141.com/en/projeto/apartamento-jb-2-2/ [Accessed: 13 September 2024.]
