Apartment I by Luiz Solano: A Masterclass in Apartment Renovation Design

Introduction to Apartment I

Apartment I, designed by Luiz Solano, is a striking example of apartment renovation design that reimagines a 160 m² top-floor unit in the historic Araucária Building in São Paulo. Built between 1964 and 1969 by renowned architect Rino Levi, the building carries modernist DNA, and Solano’s intervention pays tribute to its roots while transforming the space for contemporary living.

Respecting the Original Structure

The renovation project honors the original layout, which divided the apartment into three distinct cores: the bedrooms, the living and kitchen area, and the service zone. Solano took this framework and amplified it. Rather than adding new walls or divisions, the design strips the apartment to its essence by demolishing all internal masonry walls and using wardrobes as the primary organizing elements. This approach creates a fluid, open atmosphere that enhances the apartment’s spatial experience.

Reimagining Space with Wardrobes

The standout feature of the apartment renovation design is the strategic use of two perpendicular lines of wardrobes that shape the layout. These wardrobes not only provide essential storage but also act as architectural dividers. The first line integrates the kitchen counter, entrance, planter, ventilation shaft, and the bathroom, while the second line defines the boundary between the living room and the office, extending along the full length of the apartment.

This innovative use of wardrobes allows the apartment to maintain a clear program without sacrificing openness. Notably, a double-sided wardrobe between the office and bedroom offers flexibility, allowing the potential creation of an additional bedroom by replicating the wardrobe system.

Creating a Flexible and Minimalist Living Environment

At the heart of the apartment lies a 9 x 9-meter central module that encompasses the living room and kitchen. Facing north, this space is bathed in natural light through a floor-to-ceiling window framed by a concrete brise-soleil, a feature of the building’s façade. The design embraces minimalism: a planter marks the site of an old inverted beam, a stainless steel cylinder replaces the fireplace, and a sleek stainless steel kitchen island becomes a sculptural centerpiece.

The bedroom and office module runs parallel, providing privacy and functionality without shutting off spaces. The wardrobes serve as versatile elements that adapt to the inhabitants’ needs, aligning with contemporary demands for flexible living arrangements.

Merging History with Contemporary Living

Luiz Solano’s apartment renovation design doesn’t aim to erase the apartment’s past but rather to amplify it. By emphasizing the building’s historical elements and combining them with modern interventions like stainless steel fixtures and minimalist detailing, Solano creates a refined dialogue between eras. This project exemplifies how thoughtful design can transform outdated apartments into adaptable, elegant homes while preserving their architectural heritage.

Apartment I stands as a brilliant example of apartment renovation design that bridges history and modernity. Solano’s intelligent use of wardrobes, demolition of unnecessary walls, and celebration of light and space result in an apartment that feels both timeless and cutting-edge. The design not only optimizes spatial functionality but also elevates the everyday living experience, offering a model for future urban renovations.

All the photographs are works of Camila Alba