Ariramba Apartment by Estúdio BRA Arquitetura: A Contemporary Retreat Elevated Above Alto da Lapa

Located in the vibrant and residential Alto da Lapa neighborhood of São Paulo, the Ariramba Apartment represents a thoughtful architectural intervention by Estúdio BRA Arquitetura, transforming a conventional apartment into a warm, character-filled sanctuary that evokes the feeling of a "house in the sky."

A Sense of Identity Through Architecture

The residents requested a home that reflected their unique identity—something that would stand out and be instantly recognizable to friends and family. In response, Estúdio BRA Arquitetura proposed a bold architectural feature: a gable-style wooden roof constructed within the living areas of the apartment. Executed in tauari wood, the warm structure visually anchors the interior, while offering the unexpected charm of a residential rooftop indoors. It creates a cozy atmosphere, and as the homeowners described, brings “a feeling of a house in the heights.”

Integrated Living and Dining Spaces with Functional Elegance

The wooden roof structure subtly defines the living and dining zones without compromising openness. In the dining area, the gabled form gently rests upon a bespoke multifunctional furniture piece, which acts as a china cabinet, buffet, and powder room entrance. Topped with brushed national basalt stone, this monolithic element combines functionality and elegance. The powder room continues the refined aesthetic with a neutral palette and stone-clad vanity, highlighting a sculptural wall lamp.

Living Room: A Tribute to the Ariramba Bird

The living room design draws inspiration from the Ariramba bird, known for its vivid green hues. A green sofa anchors a small protruding niche in the layout, visually extending the roof and emphasizing spatial depth. Here, Brazilian-designed furniture adds a layer of local design authenticity, while the wooden ceiling enhances warmth and acoustics. The interiors exude subtle luxury through texture and restraint.

Kitchen and Barbecue Area: Material Consistency

The kitchen and barbecue zone are seamlessly integrated using brushed national basalt stone across countertops, backsplashes, benches, and even flooring. This material uniformity strengthens visual cohesion while emphasizing durability and tactility in high-use areas.

Balcony Garden: Living with the Sky

To amplify the home-like feeling in the apartment, the balcony is conceived as a garden, featuring a mosaic-pattern stone floor and lush landscaping. This space blurs the line between indoor and outdoor, reinforcing the project’s central theme of elevation and domestic warmth.

Bedrooms: Textural and Visual Play

The master suite features white textured walls and custom tauari wood cabinetry along the bed and vanity, creating a serene and tactile ambiance. Meanwhile, the child’s bedroom embraces a playful spirit with a green mineral texture and graphic wallpaper, tying into the apartment’s natural theme while allowing for youthful expression.

All Photographs are works of  Maíra Acayaba