Terrace of 150 m² with SPA and sauna is the highlight of a triplex in Rio

Designed by architect Bianca da Hora, at the helm of the firm Da Hora Arquitetura and part of the CASACOR São Paulo roster, the design of this penthouse triplex of 500 m², located in Ipanema (RJ), stemmed from the desire of a family who already lived in the property to transform the spaces so they would more precisely reflect their way of living. The home is inhabited by a couple and their twin children.

Projeto de Bianca da Hora. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

The first contact between the homeowner and the architect took place in 2020, when their children attended the same school in Ipanema. Conversations at the school gate and during parents’ meetings brought them closer, precisely at the time when the homeowner was looking for a professional to develop a special bedroom for the twins. From that initial work, the relationship evolved into a complete renovation of the penthouse, structured in three stages.

Projeto de Bianca da Hora. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

The first phase focused on the middle floor, with the renovation of the twins’ suite and the couple’s suite, as well as the transformation of a compact, little-used space into a multiuse room for TV, reading, yoga, meditation, and stretching, connected to the kitchen by a dumbwaiter.

Projeto de Bianca da Hora. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

In the second stage, the focus was the penthouse terrace, with 150 m² dedicated to leisure. The space now brings together a gourmet area with covered dining table and seating, as well as a sauna and a suspended spa-pool, wrapped by a large two-level wooden deck. “This deck also works as a bench, creating extra seats on busy days at home,” the architect explains. The third and final stage took place on the lower floor, recently finished, where the social area, the powder room, the kitchen and the pantry are concentrated.

Projeto de Bianca da Hora. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

Among the main floor plan changes, the kitchen, originally open, was enclosed to enlarge the storage area. The living room, previously compartmentalized into two areas, had its walls demolished to integrate the spaces and favor the entry of natural light. “With this intervention, an inverted beam appeared, which we chose to camouflage with millwork, while preserving a generous central opening that marks and delineates the dining area at the back,” Bianca reveals. On the terrace, the architect added to the existing roof a new metal structure, with glass enclosure and an interior ceiling of varnished natural reed.

Projeto de Bianca da Hora. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

The project’s concept began with creating a contemporary residence that highlights Brazilian designer furniture — such as the Bossa chairs, the Bank dining table, the Chan buffet, and the Matriz sofa by Jader Almeida; the Anel chair by Ricardo Fasanello; and the composition of seven wood libraries, authored by Gabriela Campos, of Estúdio Mais Alma — and prioritizes coziness, perceived in the choice of natural materials.

Projeto de Bianca da Hora. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

The color palette rests on a light, neutral, earth-inspired base, composed of natural freijó woodwork, Navona travertine marble flooring, and white walls. Colors appear punctually in the rugs — with emphasis on the TV sitting area, where two overlapping models are present — as well as in objects, books, plants, flowers, and in the blue-lacquered piano-cabinet, a family piece belonging to the husband, originally in dark jacaranda.

Projeto de Bianca da Hora. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

“Logistics was one of the main challenges of this project, since the work took place while the clients were traveling, especially in January. In addition, because the homeowner is very detail-oriented and demanding and has become a great friend, I always sought to surprise her with my proposals,” the architect concludes.