In 2016, the clients commissioned the Studio to design the interiors of an apartment they had purchased off-plan. A few months later, as their family grew, the space soon proved insufficient for their needs — and the opportunity to acquire a house arose.
The chosen property, likely built in the late 1950s and located in a leafy yet central neighborhood, displayed a mixture of styles resulting from successive extensions and renovations. However, it offered the ideal area for a complete transformation. This marked the beginning of an ambitious renovation project that reconfigured every space and brought the construction up to contemporary standards.
Some structural elements and functional zones were preserved, such as the front-facing garage and service areas, as well as the staircase position. Other spaces were completely redesigned — most notably the living area, which now opens entirely toward the back garden, where the pool and leisure area were repositioned to maximize integration and views.
During the initial demolition phase, the team discovered that many of the existing structures were in poor condition. As a result, a completely new structural design was developed, along with all new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
A key request from the homeowner was to create a bright, naturally lit house with as many openings as possible and materials that would reflect light. To achieve this, minimalist window frames and large glass panels were used, while white Calacatta marble was applied throughout the ground floor and raw Travertine was chosen for accent walls and the entire exterior — including as cladding for the pool.
The main design challenge in creating a monochromatic environment was balancing visual purity with the warmth and comfort of a lived-in home. Once white was defined as the dominant tone, the architects explored texture, form, and both natural and artificial lighting to enrich the atmosphere. When used thoughtfully, white not only enhances the perception of space and light but also conveys serenity and timeless elegance.
Pivot doors and concealed wall panels that hide openings and storage were covered in Accoya — a highly durable, naturally gray-toned Scandinavian pine. The same material was also used on the upper floor, bringing continuity and a tactile warmth to the interiors.
Perhaps the most delightful addition was the 150-square-meter rooftop, fully dedicated to the family’s three young children. Designed collaboratively between the architects and the client, the playful environment includes built-in cabinets, a slide leading into a ball pit, a small stage, climbing walls, a running track, a miniature “store,” and a “kitchen.” The result is a home where play and imagination never end — a space that perfectly balances sophistication and joy.
The chosen property, likely built in the late 1950s and located in a leafy yet central neighborhood, displayed a mixture of styles resulting from successive extensions and renovations. However, it offered the ideal area for a complete transformation. This marked the beginning of an ambitious renovation project that reconfigured every space and brought the construction up to contemporary standards.
Some structural elements and functional zones were preserved, such as the front-facing garage and service areas, as well as the staircase position. Other spaces were completely redesigned — most notably the living area, which now opens entirely toward the back garden, where the pool and leisure area were repositioned to maximize integration and views.
During the initial demolition phase, the team discovered that many of the existing structures were in poor condition. As a result, a completely new structural design was developed, along with all new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
A key request from the homeowner was to create a bright, naturally lit house with as many openings as possible and materials that would reflect light. To achieve this, minimalist window frames and large glass panels were used, while white Calacatta marble was applied throughout the ground floor and raw Travertine was chosen for accent walls and the entire exterior — including as cladding for the pool.
The main design challenge in creating a monochromatic environment was balancing visual purity with the warmth and comfort of a lived-in home. Once white was defined as the dominant tone, the architects explored texture, form, and both natural and artificial lighting to enrich the atmosphere. When used thoughtfully, white not only enhances the perception of space and light but also conveys serenity and timeless elegance.
Pivot doors and concealed wall panels that hide openings and storage were covered in Accoya — a highly durable, naturally gray-toned Scandinavian pine. The same material was also used on the upper floor, bringing continuity and a tactile warmth to the interiors.
Perhaps the most delightful addition was the 150-square-meter rooftop, fully dedicated to the family’s three young children. Designed collaboratively between the architects and the client, the playful environment includes built-in cabinets, a slide leading into a ball pit, a small stage, climbing walls, a running track, a miniature “store,” and a “kitchen.” The result is a home where play and imagination never end — a space that perfectly balances sophistication and joy.
Famous Architects Links: www.guilhermetorres.com
By: KingSilva
