Coverage in Arpoador combines minimalism, design, and a view of the sea

Signed by the architect João Panaggio, head of the Panaggio Arquitetura firm and the CASACOR Rio de Janeiro lineup, this project completely transformed a 230 m² duplex penthouse — with 50m² dedicated to the terrace — located in Arpoador, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. The property belongs to a couple from Minas Gerais, together for two decades and with a long experience in Paris, where they lived for 12 years in a building designed by Le Corbusier. Back in Brazil and determined to settle in Rio, the couple began searching for a new home and came across the architect's work on social media. From that connection, they visited several options together until they found the ideal penthouse. "From the very first moment, their request was for a penthouse with a terrace, just like they had in Paris. The view of the sea became the decisive differential for the choice of this apartment," recalls Panaggio.

The renovation completely transformed the property's layout. The only structure left in place was the staircase, which became the guide for the new penthouse layout. The original element received a new guardrail and handrail inspired by the staircase of the Villa Savoye, one of Le Corbusier's masterpieces, as well as a skylight that enhances the entry of natural light. Before the renovation, the lower floor contained a kitchen, service area, laundry, and lavabo, while the upper floor housed the bedrooms and a library. The new configuration inverted this logic: the entire social area was transferred to the lower level, highlighting the integration between the living room and kitchen. The entrance of the apartment was also repositioned and now opens to large windows facing the external landscaping — a circulation axis that naturally leads to the social spaces and reveals the sea view.

On the same floor, a guest suite was created in a more private area. On the upper floor, a spacious master suite was organized, with a bed facing the sea, a bathroom with a skylight, and an office in the back of the space. On the terrace, the leisure area includes a pool, sauna, and a gourmet kitchen, expanding the connection with the residents' lifestyle.

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One of the main requests from the residents was to enhance natural light — a desire that guided the project from the start. To achieve this, the architect opted for a light and neutral palette, capable of reflecting and maximizing brightness throughout the day, while highlighting key furniture and art pieces. The decor follows a minimalist design, with spaces stripped of excess and focused on functionality and visual lightness. The materials and finishes reinforce this proposal: travertine-pattern porcelain flooring, white-painted walls, wood-patterned melamine cabinetry in walnut, wood blinds with white lacquer finish, and white linen curtains. "The relationship between light and shadow was the guiding thread of the proposal. Each space was designed to receive light in an organic way, respecting the fluidity of the projects and the sea view," he explains.

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The furniture curation values Brazilian design, highlighting creations such as the Fardos armchair by Ricardo Fasanello, the Mocho bench, and the Oscar chairs by Sérgio Rodrigues — the latter being an emotional requirement from the clients. "They were passionate about the Oscar chair and had made it clear from the start that it needed to be in the project," comments the architect. The selection is completed with the Girafa chair by Lina Bo Bardi, reinforcing the cultural identity present in the decor. The art collection includes in the entrance hall the piece with tiles Panacea Phantastica by Adriana Varejão; in the living room, the large painting Le Marqueur D’Essais by Zaven Paré; and in the couple's bedroom, a pair of black and white paintings by Alexandre Baltazar.

[caption id="6975e262dd8c9c604ce081ef" width="736" data-alt="Penthouse in Arpoador unites minimalism, design, and sea view. Project by João Panaggio." data-caption="Penthouse in Arpoador unites minimalism, design, and sea view. Project by João Panaggio." data-credit="Photos: Juliano Colodeti, from MCA Estúdio | Visual production: Paulo Carvalho" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4dea" data-source-name="CASACOR"][/caption>

In the kitchen integrated with the living room, the challenge was to balance visual lightness and functionality, creating a fluid and discreet space. The living room prioritizes comfort and everyday use, with welcoming and clutter-free environments. Meanwhile, the master suite stands out for its elegant simplicity and direct connection to the landscape, with the bed facing the sea and natural materials creating a refuge atmosphere.

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The terrace was designed as an extension of the suite, capturing the spirit of the carioca climate and providing a complete leisure space, with an open view of the horizon. "The biggest challenge of this project was rethinking the layout in an unconventional way, as the functions and organization of the spaces did not follow the typical pattern of Brazilian layouts. It was a constant exercise in adaptation and creativity to create a home that truly met the clients' lifestyle," concludes João Panaggio.