Duplex penthouse of 470 m² with an open-plan layout and brazilian design

Located in Arpoador, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, this duplex penthouse of 470 m² underwent a complete renovation designed by architects Carolina Escala and Patricia Landau, from the firm Escala Arquitetura (part of the CASACOR Rio de Janeiro lineup). The property was purchased by a young couple with three children and holds special meaning for the family: the owner grew up there. This emotional bond with the apartment served as a starting point for several project decisions.

Projeto de Escala Arquitetura. (Fotos: Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

The main intervention in the floor plan was the repositioning of the staircase, a change that allowed the kitchen and the service core to be reorganized and made it possible to create a closet for the couple without compromising the suite’s dimensions. The change also made it possible to include a new bathroom to serve the bedrooms of the twins. On the second level, the projects that were originally compartmentalized — such as the living room, office, and a second service area — were integrated, becoming a large continuous space, delineated only by glass sliding doors that preserve visual permeability.

Projeto de Escala Arquitetura. (Fotos: Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

The distribution of the projects follows the family’s dynamics. The lower level concentrates daily use, with living and dining rooms, kitchen, powder room, service quarters, two suites — the couple’s with a walk-in closet —, two bedrooms and a full bathroom. The upper level was designed for leisure and socializing, bringing together an office, TV room, living and dining, gourmet area, balcony, powder room, service area, and the outdoor area with pool and sauna.

Projeto de Escala Arquitetura. (Fotos: Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

The project follows a contemporary language with strong references to Brazilian modern architecture and to signature national design. The integration between indoors and outdoors is reinforced by the full opening of the openings and by the continuity of materials. On the lower level, peroba-mica plank flooring contributes to a welcoming atmosphere, while on the upper level Giallo granite runs through all projects without interruption. “Natural freijó millwork and snow-white walls create a neutral base that enhances the furniture and the residents’ art collection”, says architect Carolina Escada.

Projeto de Escala Arquitetura. (Fotos: Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

Among the pieces that make up the furnishings are items already belonging to the family, such as the Mole armchair, two Diz armchairs and Lúcio and Oscar chairs, by Sergio Rodrigues, as well as Alice armchairs, by Aristeu Pires, and the Bank dining table, by Jader Almeida. New choices complement the ensemble, such as the Pilow sofa, from Estudiobola, Zaha side tables, by Aristeu Pires, and Gamela pendant lights, by Lia Siqueira. On the upper level, standouts include the Astúrias armchairs and sofa and Maresias chairs, by Carlos Motta, the Tiles coffee table, by Arthur Casas, and the Concreta dining table, also from Estudiobola.

Projeto de Escala Arquitetura. (Fotos: Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

The art collection also takes center stage in the projects, with works such as a diptych by José Bechara, red sculptures by Joaquim Tenreiro, a metal sculpture by Raul Mourão and paintings by Daniel Senise and Eduardo Sued.

Projeto de Escala Arquitetura. (Fotos: Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

The entire process — from design, approvals, and construction to the finishing of the decor — took about two years and four months. “The biggest challenge of this project was accommodating all the demands of the private area on the lower level without compromising the comfortable dimensions of the four bedrooms”, concludes architect Patricia Landau.