brazilian concrete: a sunny apartment in rio de janeiro by estudio chao

asked to combine two middle-sized apartments into one family dwelling, brazilian estudio chao designed an open space with bare concrete structures. situated on the hilltops of rio de janeiro, the house is decorated with traditional objects of brazilian design and allows a relaxing view of the sea and surrounding dois irmãos area.

the exuberant forest of rio de janeiro can be viewed from the balcony-like apartment
all images © andré nazareth 

estudio chao’s apartment has no corridors or clear functional separations, all the facilities are arranged around the big bright living room. the open plan reveals the original structure of the building, left in apparent concrete, and takes advantage of a cantilevered structure as spatial delimitations that generate more intimate lateral spaces.

the wooden shelves create a cozy atmosphere for the wide social area

concrete cantilever structure revealed by the demolition

view from the kitchen to the social area

the concrete cantilevered structure delimitates smaller spaces such as the dining area

kitchen area can be closed with wooden louvered partitions

floor plan

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: maria erman | designboom