114S Apartment by BLOCO Arquitetos: A Modernist-Inspired Renovation in Brasília

The 114S Apartment, renovated by BLOCO Arquitetos, reimagines a traditional Brasília residence into a warm, open, and contemporary home designed for hosting and everyday comfort. Located in Superquadra 114 of Asa Sul, the project transforms a previously compartmentalized three-bedroom layout into a cohesive social space that reflects the lifestyle of its young residents—a couple seeking a welcoming environment to gather with family and friends.

Completed in 2022, the renovation highlights Brazilian modernist architecture, structural honesty, and the elegant simplicity characteristic of Brasília’s residential buildings.

Transforming the Original Layout: From Compartmentalized to Open-Concept Living

Before intervention, the apartment had undergone a previous renovation that resulted in overly divided rooms and disconnected spaces. BLOCO Arquitetos approached the project with a clear objective: remove partitions, reveal the structure, and create fluid connections across the living, dining, and kitchen areas.

Several interior walls were demolished to integrate the spaces into one expansive social area. The original three-bedroom configuration was rethought:

• The first bedroom was incorporated into the living room, expanding the main gathering zone.
• The second bedroom became a flexible TV room and home office, enclosed with an elegant steel-and-glass frame that allows both transparency and privacy.
• Only one bedroom was retained as a suite, providing the couple with a quiet, private retreat.

This adaptive reconfiguration reflects modern urban living, prioritizing openness, multifunctionality, and social interaction.

An Integrated Kitchen Designed for Hosting

One of the most impactful changes is the relocation and complete integration of the kitchen with the living and dining space. The architects designed it to support gatherings, culinary activities, and casual conversations.

Key kitchen transformations include:

• Appliances partially exposed to maintain a natural, lived-in atmosphere.
• The refrigerator strategically hidden in an adjacent multipurpose service room, ensuring clean lines in the main social area.
• A new side support space with a wine cabinet, enhancing hospitality and storage capacity.

This spatial reorganization reflects contemporary design values, emphasizing openness, functionality, and social connectivity.

Restoring Heritage: Wood Floors, Exposed Beams, and Brazilian Craftsmanship

The renovation sought to respect the original architectural character of the building. The original wooden flooring was carefully removed, restored, and reinstalled, preserving the tactile warmth and authenticity of the material.

During demolition, structural beams were revealed, becoming expressive architectural features that reinforce the apartment’s modernist identity. The purity of materials and visible structure recall Brasília’s mid-century design heritage.

Custom freijó woodwork elevates the interior atmosphere with a natural and timeless aesthetic, harmonizing with the restored floors and curated furniture pieces.

A Curated Collection of Brazilian Modern Design

Furniture selection plays a major role in defining the apartment’s personality. BLOCO Arquitetos curated iconic pieces by renowned Brazilian designers, reinforcing a sense of national identity and craftsmanship.

Notable furniture includes:

• Lia, Mole, and Paraty armchairs – Sérgio Rodrigues
• Zeca armchairs, Fina and Zanini chairs – Zanine Caldas
• Grampo coffee table – Fernando Mendes
• Vitrola sideboard – Felipe Protti

This thoughtful blend of textures, forms, and mid-century references enriches the living spaces with cultural significance and visual harmony.

Lighting as Subtle Architecture

The lighting design adopts a minimalist and functional approach, avoiding visual noise while enhancing architectural clarity.

Features include:

• Track and surface-mounted lighting in the social area
• Corda pendants by Guilherme Wentz above the dining table
• Side table lamps for ambient warmth
• A Dot wall sconce by Alessandra Mourão in the social bathroom
• Recessed lighting subtly integrated throughout the remaining spaces

The restrained lighting strategy complements the material palette and open layout.

A Suite Connected to Nature Through Cobogós

In a notable alteration, the suite’s bathroom was repositioned and connected to the façade, where Brasília’s traditional cobogós allow natural light and ventilation. This area now includes a small garden, enhancing sensory comfort and integrating biophilic elements into the daily routine.

A Renovation Rooted in Brasília’s Modernist DNA

The entire project draws inspiration from Brasília’s architectural lineage—marked by simplicity, structural clarity, and material honesty. BLOCO Arquitetos embraced these principles while reinterpreting them for contemporary living.

The result is a home that is:

• open and convivial,
• elegant yet unpretentious,
• structurally expressive,
• and deeply connected to Brazil’s modernist heritage.

All photographs are works of  Júlia Tótoli