Located in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, this 110 m² apartment from the 1960s was renovated by its own resident – the architect Maurício Arruda, partner and head of creation at TODOS Arquitetura, owner of MAU and a professional in the CASACOR roster – who shares it with his boyfriend. The space, which translates the essence of Brazilian maximalism, highlights national folk art and finds beauty in color, capable of amplifying the strength of this people. With a relaxed beach house décor, the local features pieces that carry Brazilian stories and at the same time reflect Maurício's vision. The projects unite the past and present in a welcoming and curiosity-filled way. From the original elements of the house, the printed tiles and wooden frames in the kitchen were preserved. To complement this aesthetic, the terracotta tile flooring was recovered from an old demolition lot. The projects feature a white granite counter supported by walls covered with the same tiles and painted white pine shelves that ensure practicality and style. The central table, traditional and rare in modern kitchens, was kept to encourage togetherness. "The major alteration to the project was made on the original coverings of the apartment, except for the kitchen, where we opted for alternatives that brought back the touch of the time with the terracotta flooring and the wooden tiles that were painted," says the architect, who desired a sun-filled apartment with beach references and sensory appeal through materials, colors, and shapes. "The biggest challenge was maintaining the windows of the house, which had beautiful shapes, as well as the doors. For this, we had to invest in restoration, which required a lot of labor," he reports. Still aiming to take advantage of the demolition tile used on the floor, a masonry bench covered with the same type was built for the dining area that continues from the kitchen. A custom-made table and vintage 1970s chairs also compose the beachy look of the apartment. The integrated projects between the kitchen and dining room are favored with white floors and walls, maximizing the entry of natural light. The space is highlighted by a handmade reed rug, modernist furniture from the 1960s in dark wood, and striped fabrics in vibrant colors exclusive to MAU. Scavenged pieces, of simple and primitive proportions and shapes, complete the authentic and cozy atmosphere. The master bedroom gathers the ideas initially projected for the apartment: a space without excess, with a discreet bed and few decorative objects. Here, the presence of white walls repeats to reinforce the minimalist proposal. To realize the desire for a striking Brazilian decoration, a 90 cm diameter pendant light from Bahia and an image of Saint Sebastian from Alagoas were chosen. The decoration of the guest room, in turn, takes advantage of objects that refer to the sea. The architect opted for the use of lower solid wood beds made of Jequitibá for the space, complementing the tropical air with bedding made of light, natural fabrics. Finally, the bathroom also benefits from the entry of natural light, which is reflected by white micro-cement, highlighting the texture of the natural ceramic tile floor. The minimalist granilite countertop, in a sub-tone of the floor, contrasts with the custom-made Bahia cabinet made from demolition wood. The brushed graphite finish of the metals and accessories conveys a sense of timelessness.
