In the vibrant Pinheiros neighborhood of São Paulo, a common urban challenge has been met with an ingenious architectural solution. Estúdio Maré has completed the comprehensive renovation of the DD Apartment, a 100-square-meter residence revitalized for a young couple. The project’s core directive was to maximize the existing potential of the space, creating an open-plan living area that is both highly functional and budget-conscious, without resorting to a complete demolition.
The transformation hinges on a rare urban asset: an interior courtyard. This open space in the heart of the building was plagued by direct rainfall, limiting its usability. The architecture and design team’s pivotal decision was to cover it with a glass roof. This intervention proved to be a masterstroke, simultaneously flooding the core of the apartment with natural light while protecting it from the elements. This newly enclosed volume became the catalyst for the entire apartment renovation, allowing the kitchen to be expanded and seamlessly connected to both the living room and the terrace.
The result is a bright, airy, and highly integrated social area that embodies contemporary Brazilian design. The new layout prioritizes comfort and practicality, enhancing ventilation and the feeling of spaciousness. A discreet metalwork door cleverly conceals the laundry room, maintaining a clean and organized aesthetic. Throughout the apartment, custom built-in cabinetry, designed by Estúdio Maré and crafted by Made Marchi, was essential for optimizing every square meter. In the kitchen, new countertops and cabinets provide ample storage for the cooking enthusiasts, while on the terrace, a custom-made bench extends the dining area, increasing its capacity for entertaining.
The project’s sustainable design approach is evident in its thoughtful reuse of existing pieces. In the living room, the sofa was reupholstered, and the original dining table and chairs were retained. A new drywall bench, painted in a distinctive Coral’s Velvet texture, supports the TV, adding a tactile element. This philosophy of intelligent updates continued into the private quarters. One bedroom was converted into a home office, featuring a cost-effective drywall wardrobe finished in the same Velvet texture, with only the essential shelves and hanging rails crafted from wood.
The master suite was created to offer privacy and comfort through simple yet effective measures: fresh paint, a colorful headboard, and the introduction of an en-suite bathroom. This bathroom adopts a monochromatic palette, fully clad in Portobello tiles on the floor and walls. A wall-mounted sink and a medicine cabinet contribute to a streamlined and elegant interior design, emphasizing functionality without sacrificing style.
The final result is a testament to a collaborative effort, with contributions from partners like the marble company Eccomarmi, Volp Serralheria for metalwork, and production by Objekti. The curated selection of decor, including bedding from Casa Trópico, plants from Selvvva, and rugs from Casa Frato, adds the final layers of personality. The DD Apartment stands as a compelling example of how a strategic residential renovation can profoundly transform a living space. Estúdio Maré has demonstrated that with clever planning, a focus on natural light and spatial integration, and a commitment to budget-friendly design, it is possible to create a home that is both deeply personal and remarkably functional.