The Suspended House

Transforming Darkness into Light: The Brilliant Renovation of a Curitiba Apartment

When a couple in Curitiba, Brazil, found themselves disenchanted with their dimly lit, convoluted apartment, they sought the expertise of TN Arquitetura to breathe new life into their home. The project aimed to convert the once drab and disorganized space into a haven of natural light and personality while preserving a cherished family heirloom—a Persian rug that had been passed down through generations.

A Blank Canvas with Punctual Colors

The renovation started with a vision: to treat the apartment as a blank canvas where carefully selected furniture and decor would infuse the space with vibrant, yet controlled bursts of color. This strategic approach brought the couple’s personality into every corner of the apartment. Central to this vision was the living room, now seamlessly integrated with the balcony, maximizing the flow of natural light and openness.

Harmonious Integration and Vibrant Accents

The new layout ingeniously merges the TV room, dining area, and a charming “wine corner.” Opting for furnishings with sleek, lightweight structures, TN Arquitetura ensured that the different zones of the living space could overlap and interact without visual clutter. The Persian rug, with its warm and vibrant colors, serves as the focal point, guiding the color palette for the entire room.

To further emphasize spaciousness, the design incorporated various openings and modern lighting solutions, including “in frame” spots and LED profiles. The ceiling was kept clean and contemporary, free of any unnecessary fixtures. A strategically placed mirror on the lone chamfered wall creates an optical illusion, enhancing the room’s perceived amplitude and orthogonality.

A Seamless Flow from Kitchen to Living Room

The kitchen was reimagined to flow effortlessly into the living room. This was achieved through a panel in glossy white lacquer that transitions into a cabinet with the same finish, neatly housing the kitchen appliances. The countertops and other cabinets, finished in shades of gray, evoke a sense of contemporary minimalism, resembling monoblocks.

Exclusive Design Touches in the Master Suite

Access to the private areas of the apartment is granted through a sliding door that blends seamlessly with the living room panel when closed. The master suite, a sanctuary of its own, swaps plain white walls for textured wallpaper, extending even to the ceiling. This design choice sets the stage for an unconventional yet harmonious bedroom layout. The bed linen, featuring exclusive pillows with a mix of floral prints and knits, adds a personal touch, while the Vichy checkered fabric headboard provides a chic contrast.

Amplifying the Apartment's Architectural Characteristics

TN Arquitetura's design philosophy was rooted in amplifying the apartment's inherent characteristics. By incorporating natural elements and sober tones, the team achieved a seamless transition between the interior and the balcony, creating the illusion of a suspended house. This design approach not only blurs the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces but also imbues the apartment with a sense of airy sophistication.

Civil Changes: Defining Yet Subtle

The renovation involved a few, but impactful, structural changes. One significant modification was repositioning a wall in the living room to expand the space and clearly demarcate the private bedrooms. Another transformative decision was to remove an existing bedroom, incorporating its space into the master suite. This allowed for a layout where the bed faces a large window, maximizing the southwest view and soaking the room in natural sunlight—reminiscent of a boutique hotel room.

Curated Brazilian Furniture and International Art

A notable aspect of the project is the careful curation of Brazilian furniture by the architect, who has a profound appreciation for design. This selection complements the existing art collection and the international furniture pieces owned by the residents. The thoughtfully chosen items not only add flexibility to the living spaces but also evoke the sensation of residing in a luxurious, minimalist gallery—a contemporary suspended house that transcends the confines of a mere apartment.

A Masterful Blend of Form and Function

The end result of this renovation is nothing short of a masterpiece. TN Arquitetura successfully transformed a dark and disorganized apartment into a bright, spacious, and personality-filled home. The strategic use of color, light, and carefully curated furnishings has created a living space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The apartment now stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design, offering its residents a tranquil and inspiring environment that feels as expansive and inviting as a house.

Project Details

• Size: 440 m²
• Completion Date: 2021
• Building Levels: 1
• Architect: Giuliano Marchiorato Arquitetos
• Photographer: Eduardo Macarios

The transformation of this Curitiba apartment by TN Arquitetura serves as an inspiring example of how strategic design can redefine living spaces, turning them into sanctuaries of light, color, and personal expression.