Brazilian architecture studio Arquitetura Nacional has recently transformed a duplex apartment in Porto Alegre, Brazil, into 635 square foot (59 square meters) light-filled loft. “When he arrived at the office, Diego was looking for a solution to the newly acquired 59m² loft in Porto Alegre,” Arquitetura Nacional co-founder Paula Otto told us. “The space did not reflect his desire to live in an apartment with all the integrated spaces.”
To accomplish this, Arquitetura Nacional connected areas on the entrance floor and incorporated laundry appliances into the kitchen woodwork. A black helicoidal staircase is positioned at the center of the apartment to connect the lower level with the mezzanine above. Suspended from a steel structure that supports the upper story, the staircase does not touch the floor beneath it.
On the mezzanine, the bedroom was expanded to fit a walk-in closet and the bathroom was updated. The design team gives a sense of cohesion throughout the apartment using pared-back materials and finishes. In addition, the glazing stretch the full height of the space is shaded with brise-soleil, which is operated by remote control so that the user can adjust the light and atmosphere inside the loft.
The lighting design takes advantage of the architectural solutions, highlighting the main elements, as well as allowing the creation of several scenarios. The selection of furniture mixes pieces of Brazilian architects and designers, having as a highlight the double-sided sofa that articulates the two living environments.
In addition to the precise detailing of the staircase, the project relies on other unusual solutions such as tiles that, in addition to the wall, cover the furniture under the TV. The charred navy plywood panel hides the electrical and automation infrastructure of the project.