Complete renovation: apartment with a view of Christ receives an integrated layout

With a privileged view of the vegetation of Parque Lage and the Cristo Redentor, this duplex penthouse of 450 m² in Jardim Botânico (RJ) underwent a complete renovation to adapt to the routine of a couple in their 40s and their three children. Designed by Carolina Escada and Patricia Landau, from the Escala Arquitetura office and cast of CASACOR Rio de Janeiro, the project transformed the old property, with a compartmentalized layout, into a fluid, integrated, and functional space, with large, bright projects connected to nature.

The clients' briefing included ample storage, cozy projects to host visitors, a climate-controlled wine cellar, a high-quality sound system, colorful decoration, and an outdoor area with landscaping and a pool. The layout was completely redesigned: in the lower floor, the stairs were repositioned and gained a built-in wine cellar, a guest room was created, and there was visual integration between kitchen, dining room, and living room through green glass doors with an industrial touch.

On the upper floor, two suites were created for the daughters and an elevated garden on the terrace; the pool was relocated next to the facade to better enjoy the sun and the view.

The decoration combines Brazilian and international design with noble materials. On the lower floor, highlights include: Mole chairs and Mole stool, by Sergio Rodrigues; Paulistano chairs, by Paulo Mendes da Rocha; Magrini bench, by Jader Almeida; Milla dining chairs, by Jader Almeida; Rosá coffee table, by Maria Cândida Machado; and Twiggy lamp, by Marc Sadler for Foscarini. The peroba mica tile floor in herringbone layout reinforces sophistication, while the walls in warm white (color Cheiro de Chuva, Coral) convey warmth. The exposed beams received a special concrete texture created by a plastic artist, balancing rusticity and refinement.

On the upper floor, the outdoor area combines an Astúrias sofa, by Carlos Motta, armchairs, chaises, and dining table with director-style chairs, creating a perfect space to relax or entertain friends. The Travertine marble barbecue area includes a draft beer dispenser, cooktop, wine cellar, and a collection of decorative plaques from the couple. The TV room opens to the garden through a custom bookshelf, complemented by a work of artist Mucki Botkay, which brings embroidered vegetation and visual connection with the external greenery.

In the kitchen and dining room, lower green cabinets and upper wooden cabinets ensure unity and fluidity. The mirror above the countertop amplifies natural light. The dining room features posters of the band Pearl Jam, a brown leather-upholstered bench, chairs, and a hanging lamp, creating a relaxed pub-like environment.

The biggest challenge of the project was the low ceiling height of the second floor, tackled with the help of an engineer and metallic structure. After 1 year and 6 months of development, approval, and execution, the penthouse has become a unique home that celebrates the carioca way of living, with style, comfort, bright colors, sophistication, and a strong connection to nature, designed for family interaction and celebration moments.