Two joined apartments create a duplex with the feel of an art gallery

An art collector already lived in a linear apartment in Leblon (RJ), renovated by architects Carolina Escada and Patricia Landau from the office Escala Arquitetura and part of the CASACOR Rio lineup, until the opportunity arose to buy the apartment on the lower floor to transform the two properties into a 440 m² duplex. This time, the duo was tasked with integrating the two levels harmoniously, with spaces designed for the owner to display and appreciate her vast collection of artwork and to host her friends and family with more comfort and practicality. “We designed a corten steel staircase that resembles a fold, with no visible beams, and a perforated plate guard-rail in the same material to bring visual lightness to the set. This element imposes itself as a sculptural piece that dialogues perfectly with the client's collection of artwork,” explains Patricia. Between the social and intimate areas of the lower level, the architects designed a family friendly space that includes an intimate living room with integrated pantry, playroom, and gym area. The floor also includes a bedroom for the grandchildren, a closet with bathroom, storage, two complete staff quarters, a lavatory, and a spacious living room with an integrated office, which can be isolated by sliding doors with wooden frames and glass closure. “The decor of this floor is more sober in the living room, in natural tones with highlights for earthy colors, while the space designated for children is more relaxed and colorful,” explains Carolina. On the upper floor, where the client already lived, the main strategy adopted by the architects was the reconfiguration of the social area, which had already undergone significant renovation previously. “To facilitate the new layout and create a more fluid and integrated arrangement, we repositioned the lavatory in the old staff quarters to place the dining room more centrally, freeing up a lot of space for the living room with TV,” reveals Patricia. To not take the spotlight away from the artworks, the cabinetry in the social area of the upper floor was reduced to a white shelf (formed by small niches), embedded under the window sill. For the same reason, a concrete bench occupies the entire length of the largest wall in the living room, where the TV is located, serving both as a display for paintings and extra seating on busy days. “We also transformed the extensive intimate corridor, which gives access to the master suite with closet and the guest room, into an art gallery,” says Carolina. The layout of the rest of the floor plan – which includes the master suite with closet, the guest room, the guest bathroom, the kitchen, and the service area – was maintained. In addition to artworks by renowned artists, such as Daniel Senise, Luiz Zerbini, Nuno Ramos, Nelson Felix, the decor of both floors also includes furniture designed by important Brazilian designers, such as Sergio Rodrigues, Jorge Zalszupin, Claudia Moreira Salles, and Etel Carmona.