No demolition, 185 m² apartment gains wine cellar and walk-in closet

The biggest challenge for architect Vivian Reimers – from the VRO Arquitetura office and cast of CASACOR Rio de Janeiro – for this apartment of 185 m² in Barra da Tijuca (RJ) was to transform the property without altering the structure and while the residents lived on-site. Among the residents' requests were a more practical kitchen, integrated projects, a spacious closet, a quiet home office for the father, and a social area with personality. And all this had to happen with the family – a couple, their teenage daughter, and a cat – living in the property during the entire eight-month renovation. "They asked for a considerable renovation, but with minimal demolition. The original floor and ceiling had to be maintained, which required very precise technical planning," says Vivian. "Our mission was to transform deeply without leaving traces that almost nothing was broken,” she adds. "We conducted the renovation in stages, by sectors, so that the residents could continue living there with comfort and safety. It required logistics, patience, and a very organized project. The timeline was extended, but this avoided major inconveniences for the family," she adds. The kitchen was completely redesigned. To change the layout without breaking the floor, the team relocated all water, gas, and electrical points inside the walls. "This was one of the most technical solutions of the project. The new kitchen is more practical, functional, and contemporary. We even created a special area to store and taste teas since the resident, in addition to being passionate about it, works with behavioral neuroscience focused on well-being. With tropical leaves, the wallpaper in the dining area brings freshness and lightness, subtly connecting the space with nature. In the living room, the traditional television was replaced by a screen built into the ceiling, totally imperceptible in the projects. The clean aesthetic was maintained, and the room functions as a cinema.

One of the highlights of the project is the wine cellar created in place of the old bathroom of the fourth suite. The new space was opened to the living room and designed with display niches, closed cabinets, and climate-controlled wine cellars. "The idea came from a very personal request: the residents are wine lovers. We wanted to create something beautiful, functional, and that would serve as a gathering point of the house. The wine cellar became the heart of the social area," the professional shares. The bedroom of this suite was converted into a generous walk-in closet, integrated with the master suite. "The resident has always wanted a real closet. We managed to plan well-defined sectors for clothes, shoes, and accessories, with a central pouf that adds charm and comfort. It is a space of care and style," Vivian shares. The bedroom of the teenage daughter was also redesigned with custom cabinetry, a sofa-style bed, and boho-romantic décor in soft tones. The former service suite became a quiet home office, custom-made for the father of the house. On the balcony, the proposal was to create a light, relaxed, and cozy project – ideal for relaxing or hosting friends. "The integration of the projects, even without opening walls, was a strong desire of the residents. We used materials, color palettes, and cabinetry to create this fluidity between the rooms." A special request from the resident also gained attention: the application of boiseries in the living room, bringing a classic and timeless atmosphere to the project. "We also kept the family’s Chesterfield sofa, a piece full of history, that now contrasts with signature furniture," Vivian says.

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