FCstudio converts family apartment into brazilian bachelor pad

FCstudio has finished the renovation of ‘maranhao apartment’ in sao paolo, brazil. according to the architects, the biggest challenge of the project was the conversion of a family apartment into a residence that fits the needs of a young, single advertiser, while retrofitting securities provided by the original structure. therefore, the work respects the memories of the space by exposing its existing components and materials with the addition of contemporary design elements.

occupants can experience the expanded space that includes the kitchen, living room, and home theater
image © pedro kok (also main image)

the living room, home theater, and dining table have become part of a unified and continuous space through the demolition of walls and removal of the toilet that once disrupted the openness of the floorplan. this connects to the kitchen where the construction of the old form has been reutilized to arrange a wine rack and storage cabinets. concrete shelves have been crafted along fenestrated walls that specifically emphasize the horizontality of the public areas and serve as a shield for pieces of art.

view of the living room
image © pedro kok

meanwhile, a large gallery of corten steel that wraps around a corner from the television to the lounge demarcates between social and intimate programs, camouflaging access that is created through a pivoting door to the master bedroom. these characteristics combine to display a sober color palette that contrasts and highlights the interior furnishings.

repackaging existing joinery and chromatic change
image © pedro kok

the reuse of the existing materiality contrasts the interior design elements
image © pedro kok

corten steel horizontal shelves were created to expose some movie posters in the home theater
image © pedro kok

view of the pivoting door that opens up to the bedroom
image © pedro kok

final result as an integrated and flexible space that offers possibilities for a young single man
image © pedro kok

the residence displays a sober color palette
image © pedro kok

the original structure was exposed and the materials are shown with sincerity
image © pedro kok

before and after intervention

plans before and after

project info:

completion: 2013
location: são paulo, brasil
area project: 87m²
total area: 151m²
interior design: FCstudio
lighting: FCstudio
photography: pedro kok

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.