A modest residence was designed by architect Elisa Albuquerque in Brasilia, the Brazilian capital. The 689-square-foot Brisa Apartment underwent a highly delicate renovation. The construction time was quick, and the entire design process was fascinating. Brisa’s apartment owners, Andre and Public, acquired this residence in one of Brasilia’s historic superquadras. The owners wanted to complete the remodelling in less than three months since they needed to move quickly into the new Apartment. Elisa Albuquerque, an architect, accepted the challenge, and she had 70 days from their initial meeting to complete this design.
The Design Approach’s Thoughts
Brisa Apartment reflects the owners’ extremely refined taste. They chose this Apartment because they enjoy the facilities and terrace. However, this flat need remodelling because it is so old-fashioned. The lake Paranoá is nearby, and the Brisa Apartment feels near the water. As a result, the architect worked diligently from the outset of the design process to create a very modern environment that would be appealing and comfortable. It would be more pleasant to divide the generic developer-looking area into contemporary functional distributions.
The three zones created by the architect are the bedroom zone, the outdoor living-dining zone, and the kitchen-indoor living zone. The Apartment’s kitchen is kept elegantly right at the front door. They only wanted to intervene in the kitchen regarding the interiors. However, they fell in love with the process early on and chose to continue. Additionally, this section contains a modest interior living space. The kitchen received the most significant and necessary intervention, including a sizable cast-in-place terrazzo counter, backsplash, shelf, and mint green cabinets. The architect included a TV nook and greenery in this formal living area in the interior. Elisa Albuquerque used vibrant colours and expertly organized the entire room to maintain the design’s simple character.
A dining table and a casual seating area are incorporated on the terrace of the Brisa Apartment. Additionally, some storage is introduced here. Therefore, these ideas are commendable for a small patio space like this.
The wall between the living room and kitchen was covered with thin white masonry because they wanted to separate the space. To see the original waffle slab, they also removed the lowered ceiling. White colour and wood texture predominate in this location. However, this area is too small for a bedroom. They are introducing a mirror wall that is amazing to visitors and projects many volumes. This original solution is very fantastic. Brisa’s Apartment’s ceiling remains unchanged. Therefore, the contrast between the modern furniture and the unfinished ceiling is well-matched.
Materials by Construction
Brisa Apartment employs a few materials and colour schemes. Interventions were kept to a minimum, and the architect focused on materials with textures and hues that might communicate the sort of domesticity he envisioned. A white brick-cladding wall separates the area between the kitchen and the bedroom after the entry. The owners removed a lowered ceiling to uncover the original waffle slab. They also left the pipes exposed and painted them in vibrant colours. The only change to the design was installing a double sliding door between the bedroom and the living/kitchen area. The hue of the floor tiles is somewhat darker than the colour of the wall. For this kitchen space, the architect preserves the vibrant colour palette. Using a terrazzo countertop updates the aesthetic of the kitchen counter.
Brisa’s Apartment’s patio features colourful modern furnishings and a wooden cabinet along the side of the terrace. Other walls are left white to provide a new atmosphere. Two sliding doors divide this deck from the kitchen and bedroom.
A huge mirror and a headboard woven in situ by artisans from the traditional TV Tower local craft market were installed in the bedroom. Soft materials and soothing lighting contributed to the desired ambience. As a result, this tiny flat is well-furnished with the comforting feeling of home. The architect used a delicate blend of contemporary and traditional apartment architecture. As a result, this compact Apartment does not seem claustrophobic. Furthermore, this small flat appears to be rather large.
It was also part of the plan for all lighting to be below eye level. Except for the kitchen, we replaced all ceiling lighting with wall sconces, pendants, and floor lights. The lighting is diffuse and gentle, most of which is dimmable, allowing for localized control and comfort.
Sustainability
The main aim of this design is to transform an old developer flat into a luxurious contemporary residence. People in Brasilia choose to live near the lake. The owners chose this Apartment for its location in this complex as well. Moreover, they wanted a modern design that was also functional. Architect Elisa Albuquerque created this Apartment so that the classic appearance parts were reused while modern concepts were included. Brisa Apartment will also benefit from the addition of plants by the architect.
References:
Julia Tótoli. (2022). Brisa Apartments by Elisa Albuquerque [Photograph]. (Brisa Apartments by Elisa Albuquerque: https://wooooooow.cn/brisa-apartments-brazil-elisa-albuquerque/#images-2)
Julia Tótoli. (2022). Brisa Apartments by Elisa Albuquerque [Photograph]. (Brisa Apartments by Elisa Albuquerque: https://ambientesdigital.com/apartamento-brisa-elisa-albuquerque/)
Julia Tótoli. (2022). Brisa Apartments by Elisa Albuquerque [Photograph]. (Brisa Apartments by Elisa Albuquerque: https://ambientesdigital.com/apartamento-brisa-elisa-albuquerque/)
Julia Tótoli. (2022). Brisa Apartments by Elisa Albuquerque [Photograph]. (Brisa Apartments by Elisa Albuquerque: https://ambientesdigital.com/apartamento-brisa-elisa-albuquerque/)
Julia Tótoli. (2022). Brisa Apartments by Elisa Albuquerque [Photograph]. (Brisa Apartments by Elisa Albuquerque: https://ambientesdigital.com/apartamento-brisa-elisa-albuquerque/)
Julia Tótoli. (2022). Brisa Apartments by Elisa Albuquerque [Photograph]. (Brisa Apartments by Elisa Albuquerque: https://wooooooow.cn/brisa-apartments-brazil-elisa-albuquerque/#images-15)
Julia Tótoli. (2022). Brisa Apartments by Elisa Albuquerque [Photograph]. (Brisa Apartments by Elisa Albuquerque: https://wooooooow.cn/brisa-apartments-brazil-elisa-albuquerque/#images-10)
