Galeria Apartament by CoDA Arquitetura: Integrated Design for Art, Comfort, and Social Living

Located in Asa Norte, Brasília, the Galeria Apartament designed by CoDA Arquitetura redefines contemporary residential living through integration, functionality, and artistic expression. Spanning 163 m², the renovation project transforms a compact apartment into a bright, spacious, and highly social home while honoring the lifestyle of its owners—a couple eager to downsize after their children left home, without sacrificing comfort or the ability to host gatherings.

Concept and Design Intent

The project responds to a central challenge: how to create a generous, open apartment within a reduced floor area. Previously living in a larger duplex, the clients desired practicality for their new stage in life, but without losing the spatial fluidity and hospitality they cherished.

To achieve this, CoDA Arquitetura focused on integrated environments and efficient spatial reorganization. One of the existing bedrooms was removed to expand the living room, while the kitchen was reconfigured to merge seamlessly with the social areas. The result is an open-plan design that enhances interaction and flexibility, fostering both intimate living and larger gatherings.

Spatial Reorganization

The apartment’s layout now balances private and social zones with clarity and comfort.

• Living Area: The enlarged living room is anchored by a custom-designed two-sided sofa, creating a central hub that connects the art display, dining, and entertainment areas.
• Kitchen: A U-shaped countertop organizes appliances, while cabinetry along the sidewall conceals the refrigerator, oven tower, and pantry. Walls finished in natural stone and recessed lighting in the ceiling create a refined yet practical atmosphere. The elimination of the original toilet and utility room further opened the space, reinforcing a sense of horizontality.
• Bedrooms: The master suite and two guest bedrooms were retained, doubling as home offices. The master bathroom was expanded to include a bathtub and extended vanity, enhancing comfort and relaxation.

Materiality and Atmosphere

The design highlights the raw beauty of concrete by removing the plaster ceiling to reveal the original structure, increasing the apartment’s ceiling height. To complement this element, CoDA introduced reflective lighting trays that scatter indirect light across the space, creating a soft and atmospheric glow.

A defining feature is the large wooden panel, suspended slightly above the floor on a metal structure. This serves a dual purpose: acting as a backdrop for the couple’s art collection while housing the home theater system. The result is a functional yet elegant divider that celebrates art as a daily presence within the living environment.

Social and Cultural Value

The Galeria Apartament is more than a home; it is a curated living gallery. By integrating the couple’s artworks into the spatial design, the apartment embodies their identity and values. The generous social areas make it possible to host family and friends comfortably, while the view of Olhos D’água Park connects the interior with Brasília’s natural landscape.

Through strategic reconfiguration, material authenticity, and artistic integration, CoDA Arquitetura has created a bright, airy, and timeless residence that balances practicality with cultural expression.

Project Details

• Architects: CoDA Arquitetura
• Lead Architects: Pedro Grilo, Gabriel Nogueira
• Location: Asa Norte, Brasília, Brazil
• Area: 163 m²
• Year: 2022
• Photography: Júlia Tótoli
• Manufacturers: Acervo Mobília, Atelier Fernando Jaeger, Casa do Vidro, Dias, GPS, Kaizen, Ladrilharia, Light Design e Elétrica Capital, Líder Interiores, Marmoluz, Portinari, Suleiman

All photographs are works of Júlia Tótoli