Nude Harmony

Photography by Fran Parente

In São Paulo, Studio Arthur Casas designed a 335 m² apartment overlooking the green spaces of Ibirapuera park for a couple where integration is the priority.

For Arthur Casas, the founding architect of the studio, coherence between the scales of a project is essential: from architecture to interiors and furniture design, each element is understood as a fundamental part of a whole. Such familiarity with every detail allows for an even more cohesive proposal, with unified language and a solid identity. Located in a building also designed by Studio Arthur Casas, the apartment offers a layout carefully planned to provide functionality and comfort. Pulling the vintage 1950s handle and entering through the hall, the amplitude of the social area immediately stands out, with seamlessly integrated environments. Materiality defines the project, balancing modernity and warmth. The exposed concrete slab and pillars establish a dialogue with other elements: the Santa Margherita terrazzo extends from the cold flooring to a half-wall in the hallway and to furniture details, creating visual unity; simultaneously, wood paneling on the walls and cabinetry warms the spaces.

In the living room, the Fusca sofa by Arthur Casas in two depths is embraced by a custom console in the same terrazzo as the floor, reinforcing the sense of continuity. Atop it sits a sculpture by Bulgarian artist Liuba Wolf. The space is also punctuated by works by Artur Lescher, Renata Lucas, and Markus Linnenbrink, as well as design pieces like the Shops bench and the Bala Soft side table by Arthur Casas, along with the Grasshopper floor lamp from Gubi and PL-13 armchairs and JZ Tea Trolley from Etel.

The clients requested a home to host family and friends, combining fluidity and versatility. To achieve this, the social areas –gourmet kitchen, dining room, living room, and home theater – are interconnected, forming a dynamic and welcoming environment. The integration of the spaces leads to the dining room, marked by the Rino table and the Onda sideboard by Arthur Casas, flanked by Senior Metal armchairs by Jorge Zalszupin. Above it, the mirrored-surface artwork by Ana Maria Tavares creates an intriguing play of textures. The lighting is highlighted by Arthur Casas' Belly lamp and Flos' Arrangements Line pendant. Right next to it, the gourmet area balances minimalism and functionality. Discreet cabinetry conceals a complete set of Gaggenau appliances, revealing them at the right moment to bring hosts and guests closer together. The table, a cantilevered metal plank, is surrounded by Jupiter stools of Johanson Design, reinforcing fluidity and integration. To be noted, one of the biggest challenges of the project was integrating the automation, air conditioning, and lighting systems in the social area, where the exposed concrete ceiling made it difficult to conceal the equipment. The solution came in the form of a discreet perimeter cove that hides the airconditioning grilles and lighting fixtures, all while preserving the minimalist aesthetic.

Before the transition to the private quarters, the home theater appears, where the Fusca sofa returns – now framed by custom woodwork. Above it hangs the Grampo lamp by Arthur Casas. Completing the room are Zanotta's Gilda armchair, Adi coffee table from Herança Cultural, and a vintage coffee table from the clients’ collection. On the wall, a Rauschenberg artwork stands out. Like the other living areas, this space is also bathed in natural light, which filters through a cobogó wall and opens generously onto a lush green backdrop.

The hallway leading to the three bedrooms features terrazzo cladding up to half-wall height; the rest is enveloped in wood, creating a smooth transition between spaces. At the junction between wood and terrazzo, a metal shelf holds part of the residents’ art collection – featuring works by León Ferrari and Daniel Senise – with spotlights highlighting the pieces.

Inside the rooms, the terrazzo floor gives way to engineered European oak wood flooring, offering greater warmth and comfort. The two guest rooms have mirrored layouts and were strategically designed to function as home offices during the week.

In the master suite, a wooden ceiling creates an atmosphere of intimacy and coziness. The lighting is delicate, with a perimeter cove reflecting light onto the exposed concrete ceiling, creating a serene and inviting space for rest. The master bathroom reintroduces Santa Margherita terrazzo in the floors, countertops, and niches, complemented by the Mineral bathtub by Arthur Casas, positioned in front of both sinks.