The 5-meter sofa is the highlight of the apartment with 100 m² of social projects.

With fluid integration, warm textures, and an atmosphere of quiet luxury, this 450 m² apartment located in the Peninsula, in Barra da Tijuca, redefines the idea of a vacation home. The project, signed by architects Thiago Morsch and Michelle Wilkinson from Thimi Arquitetura and cast CASACOR Rio de Janeiro, reflects the balance between elegance and warmth. The residents — a couple in their 50s, in a second marriage — split their life between Maranhão and Rio de Janeiro. Their wish was to create a loving and functional home, designed to gather their children, welcome friends, and celebrate moments as a family. The result is a contemporary and sophisticated space, where the integration between the living room, balcony, and kitchen transforms the social area into a large project for coexistence. The living area of 50 m² opens to the gourmet balcony, also 50 m², creating a generous and sunny atmosphere.

Sofá de 5 m é o destaque de apê com 100 m² de área social (Ricardo Rogers/CASACOR)

“Natural light was one of the protagonists of the project. We sought to highlight this Carioca brightness with a palette of earthy and neutral tones, natural materials, and warm textures, such as freijó wood and Taj Mahal quartzite,” explain the architects. The biggest challenge was the configuration of the living room, with a rectangular floor plan, few walls, and many openings. The solution they found was to create a large freijó wood panel that hides doors and integrates the buffet and the Taj Mahal quartzite bar/wine cellar.

The sofa was a bold choice by the client: the organic model of more than five meters that redefined the layout and became the meeting point of the house. “It synthesizes the welcoming spirit of the residents,” comments Michelle.

The kitchen, considered the heart of the project, was designed to unite functionality and affection. The project gained a central island with a stove and bar stools, ideal for quick meals and for following the preparation of dishes. One of the special wishes of the resident was to have a display cabinet to exhibit her favorite dishes — which was promptly accommodated! “We wanted the kitchen to be practical, but also affectionate. It’s the place for conversations, coffee, and good family memories,” explains Thiago, Michelle’s partner.

The landscaping, designed by Andreia Sinhoreli, focuses on low-maintenance species and includes a hydroponic system that facilitates care during the periods when the couple is away. “The project reflects the joy of the owners. We wanted every project to tell a story, with design pieces and personal memories. It’s an apartment made for coexistence and celebration,” conclude the architects from Thimi Arquitetura.