Open-plan 211 m² apartment in Jardim Botânico showcases a sentimental collection

With 211 sq m, this apartment located in Jardim Botânico (a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone) underwent a complete transformation under the direction of architects Roberta Moura and Paula Faria, professionals on the CASACOR Rio de Janeiro roster. The family — a couple with two children, he an advertising professional and she a visual artist — already lived in the same building, on another floor, and decided to acquire the new property to tailor it more precisely to their daily dynamics.

Projeto de Roberta Moura e Paula Faria. (Fotos: Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Lu Algarthe/CASACOR)

The reconfiguration of the floor plan prioritized togetherness. One of the bedrooms was incorporated into the living room and turned into an office, with sliding doors that allow the project to be isolated when necessary. The former service bedroom, in turn, was resized to enable the expansion of the couple’s closet. As a result, the social area became spacious and fluid, organizing itself continuously among living, dining, TV, and work, while the intimate area remains reserved.

Projeto de Roberta Moura e Paula Faria. (Fotos: Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Lu Algarthe/CASACOR)

The program also includes a kitchen, service area and bathroom, a support storeroom for staff, the couple’s suite with a closet, and two bedrooms for the children served by a shared bathroom.

Projeto de Roberta Moura e Paula Faria. (Fotos: Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Lu Algarthe/CASACOR)

The proposal starts from integration as the central axis, a recurring feature in the architects’ language, and opts for a neutral base designed to highlight the residents’ sentimental collection. Natural materials and uncomplicated solutions steer the project, which avoids excess and prioritizes permanence. The modern, intimate style reveals itself in the combination of contemporary lines with a welcoming atmosphere.

Projeto de Roberta Moura e Paula Faria. (Fotos: Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Lu Algarthe/CASACOR)

Although many elements have been renewed, important pieces from the family’s collection remain in the spotlight, such as the generous pink round armchair, the mustard office sofa, the white metal hospital display cabinet, the period black leather chairs in the TV room, and various works of art. Among the new choices, standouts include the Pitu armchair with ottoman, by Aristeu Pires, upholstered in green canvas and positioned in the workspace as a point of color; the Vime table lamp, by Maria Cândida Machado; the Duetto coffee table, by Luia Mantelli; the Duomo dining table, by Jader Almeida; and the Lotus dining chairs, by Lucas Bond.

Projeto de Roberta Moura e Paula Faria. (Fotos: Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Lu Algarthe/CASACOR)

Among the most prominent elements is the L-shaped bench-console, designed in custom millwork, which follows the window and extends to the TV room, with lower drawers and an integrated planter at the end of the living area.

Projeto de Roberta Moura e Paula Faria. (Fotos: Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Lu Algarthe/CASACOR)

The materiality reinforces the project’s timeless proposal: in the gathering areas, the cumaru floorboards remain; in the private area, herringbone parquet. The wall surfaces alternate between white and a gray technocement texture, while the natural American oak millwork warms the ensemble. White horizontal blinds run along the entire living room window, filtering the light discreetly. In the kitchen, the green range hood takes center stage as a decorative element, contrasting with the retro-inspired black-and-white floor.