In Rio de Janeiro, one apartment appears to float in the sky. Brazilian architect Arthur Casas has redesigned the space to elevate it from holiday stopover, to a minimalist oasis for entertaining. Anchored with the warmth and clarity of natural material surfaces and modernist furniture, the whole plan has been adapted to connect inhabitant to 360 degree views of Ipanema beach.
Owned by a family who spend seasons in Rio, and like to entertain friends, the apartment is peaceful, spacious and comfortable. It’s a real home, away from the rhythms and responsibilities of home itself.
Making the most of its beach-adjacent location, the 520sq m plan was stripped back and adapted placing the rooms around the perimeter to always keep the living space open to the views beyond, the blues of the sea and the sky, and the sand of the beach – colours that seep into the living spaces where the view and the light are enhanced.
A minimalist aesthetic sets the scene through vast expanses of marble and oak. Travertino Navona flooring in the living room bounces light from the windows, to the white walls and back again, all offset with metal masonry details and a painting by Carlito Carvalhosa that offers a touch of blue. In the main bathroom for guests, a sink has been carved out of Travertino Navona. Oak flooring in the bedrooms brings more softness for living, and White Carrara marble is used in the en suite bathrooms.
Intimate spaces for the family are balanced with large spaces for entertaining. The apartment’s five suites are discreetly concealed with a long sliding door that separates them from the large integrated living and dining area with adjoining kitchen. Sliding doors also appear elsewhere in the apartment as a seamless way to extend and join rooms together. §
