Renovation transforms a 1930s house into a contemporary retreat

Signed by the firm PN+ | Paula Neder – part of the CASACOR Rio de Janeiro lineup –, this 1930s house, located in Humaitá (RJ), underwent a complete transformation to meet the new moment of a family of five. With 220 m² of built area and 306 m² including the outdoor spaces, the property is arranged over three floors: on the ground floor, integrated living rooms, TV room, dining room, and library, as well as a powder room, kitchen, service area and quarters; on the upper floor, the suites for the couple and their three children; on the rooftop, a multipurpose room connected to the gourmet area and the pool.

Projeto de Paula Neder. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

With three children, the couple were already clients of the firm, responsible both for the offices of which he is a partner and for the family’s previous apartment. The move to the house stemmed from the desire to broaden domestic dynamics, gain outdoor area, and create new gathering spaces. “Although it had already undergone renovations, the building showed signs of wear and called for a structural and aesthetic update,” says Paula Neder.

Projeto de Paula Neder. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

The project was guided by the concept of “lightness with history”. The facade was preserved with its Portuguese tiles, balustrade with columns, colonial roof tiles, arched windows, and muxarabis. Inside, elements such as the stairs and original parquet floors were kept and restored, reinforcing the building’s memory. At the same time, the generous entry of natural light and the reorganization of the projects brought freshness and contemporaneity.

Projeto de Paula Neder. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

As the first floor was quite compartmentalized and the structural walls limited changes, reinforcements with steel beams were necessary to make the integration of the rooms feasible. The intervention made it possible to create a large, continuous social space, bright and fluid.

Projeto de Paula Neder. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

In the decor, the light contemporary style is built on a neutral base, allowing colors to appear punctually in rugs, cushions, throws, and artworks. Several furniture pieces and objects migrated from the previous apartment — among them the dining table and chairs, light fixtures, armchairs, a sofa, the vintage rocking chair, musical instruments, and part of the bedroom millwork.

Projeto de Paula Neder. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

New pieces were incorporated discreetly, prioritizing comfort and timelessness. Among the highlights of the living area, the Pitu chaise with ottoman, by Aristeu Pires, stands out as a focal point. The kitchen with an integrated breakfast nook received light-green cabinetry and white ceramic flooring with black cabochons, introducing a subtle retro reference. In the private area, the original parquet blocks were preserved and reassembled in all the bedrooms. In the couple’s suite, the former balcony gave way to a light-filled office, complemented by a new window beside the bed.

Projeto de Paula Neder. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

The rooftop expands the possibilities of use of the house. The multipurpose room was designed both for movie sessions and for gatherings and small celebrations, with a space dedicated to musical instruments. Integrated with the gourmet area and the pool, it benefits from the metal structure with solar panels, discreetly concealed by cane webbing.

Projeto de Paula Neder. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

The outdoor kitchen, equipped with a barbecue grill, cooktop, refrigerator, and dishwasher, operates autonomously. Exposed brick, vertical landscaping, and the view of Christ the Redeemer reinforce the relaxed character of the project. The pool, with about 10,000 liters, rests on a raised wooden deck and features a tile panel by the MUDA collective, created especially for the project.

Projeto de Paula Neder. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

The greatest challenge of the work was reconciling spatial integration with the structural limitations of an old construction, while imparting a contemporary, youthful spirit without erasing its marks of time.