In contrast to the demolitions that have been occurring in recent years in the Pinheiros neighborhood, São Paulo, the client, already captivated by the area, sought a building for their new home that would preserve local heritage, maintaining the ambiance of old buildings with spacious interiors, generous windows, and comfortable ceiling heights.

As a result, an old apartment in one of the small buildings built in the second half of the 20th century on the grounds of the former Sociedade Hípica Paulista – considered a local landmark – chosen. The ensemble comprises three-story buildings set in a lush and tranquil area, still preserved today, and listed by the Municipal Council for the Preservation of Historical, Cultural and Environmental Heritage of São Paulo (Conpresp) as historical heritage. The property is just a short walk from the neighborhood's best public transport options, cultural institutions, and commercial centers.

The apartment never been renovated, and like many buildings of its time, its rooms were mostly dark and compartmentalized. Consequently, the project aimed to enhance natural light between the front and rear facades, integrating the balcony, living room, and kitchen into a cohesive axis.

The remodeling maintains the original finishes, respecting the building's heritage, while creating a neutral backdrop for the furniture and decor. Wooden floors preserved in all social areas, while the wet areas (kitchen, laundry, bathroom, and balcony) required new flooring due to layout reorganization.

The design favors minimal use of neutral tones, opting for beige hexagonal tiles in the kitchen and bathroom, and square tiles in reddish-brown for the bathroom. The entrance wall of the living room stripped to expose the solid bricks of the original construction, while other surfaces were painted off-white, enhancing the reflection of natural light.

On the balcony, concrete pillars and beams were uncovered, preserving their structural beauty. New carpentry integrates these architectural elements with a shelving unit and planter, serving as a partition between the dining room and the balcony, while maintaining visual connection.

In this project, the dining room conceived as the main space, featuring a generous table seating up to ten, surrounded by Clip chairs designed by Brazilian designer Fernando Jaeger in various upholstery colors, alongside a buffet and a pair of wall sconces, designed by the resident's father. The concept aimed to highlight space for gatherings with friends and family, emphasizing integrated meals and conversation moments.

The new living room placed on the balcony, offering an intimate environment with views of the surrounding treetops. The floor covered with the same tiles used in service areas, with earthy tones reinforcing integration. Meanwhile, the TV room can integrated with other environments through double doors.

In the kitchen, cabinets feature a white laminate finish, stopping at the beam height without reaching the ceiling. A strategically placed opening accommodates a small countertop for quick meals in the resident's daily routine.

The bathroom floor and half-height walls covered in brown tiles, providing a base that complements the white fixtures.
The apartment boasts three bedrooms, one with a balcony that has become the master bedroom, another converted into a TV room, and a third into an office and music room, featuring new window frames and acoustic treatment.