Ibiapinópolis Apartment by Ana Sawaia Arquitetura: A Harmonious Blend of Modern Design and Brazilian Craftsmanship

Transforming a 1970s Apartment into a Modern Family Home

The Ibiapinópolis Apartment is a stunning example of contemporary interior architecture in São Paulo. Located on the third floor of a 1973 building in the vibrant Jardim Paulistano neighborhood, the 260 m² apartment offers sweeping treetop views visible through the living room windows. Designed by Ana Sawaia Arquitetura, the project reimagines family living by blending spaciousness, natural light, and functional design for a couple with two young children.

The renovation aimed to expand living spaces and create a fluid connection between the kitchen, living room, and dining area. By removing walls in the entrance hall, dining room, and living area, the architects opened up the apartment while maintaining the integrity of structural elements. A striking 1.80m-wide concrete pillar now acts as a central visual anchor, with its covering removed to showcase the building's original structure, complemented by exposed beams.

Seamless Integration with Custom Carpentry

To enhance circulation and unify the interiors visually, a custom carpentry panel with vertical grooves was installed. This panel elegantly conceals access to the kitchen, wine cellar, entrance door, and powder room, creating a rhythmic and cohesive aesthetic. The design eliminates fragmented corridors, improves movement flow, and adds a sculptural quality to the living spaces.

Concrete is a recurring material, seen in built-in bookshelves and countertops, with 3cm thick shelves supporting the dining room buffet and TV cabinet. The solid Tauari wood lattice doors add warmth and texture, merging natural materials with contemporary concrete finishes.

Light-Filled, Functional Spaces

Sliding doors with wired glass separate the office from the living room and the kitchen from the service area, allowing natural light to permeate throughout the apartment. Original wooden floors in the living room and bedrooms were restored, while the balcony floor received a modern wooden deck installation, blending indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.

A Kitchen Designed for Flow and Functionality

The kitchen, previously dim and congested, was completely reimagined. A curved cabinet made of perforated, rolled metal sheet optimizes circulation while providing ample storage and integrated appliances. A concrete kitchen table, molded on-site with a 1.40m overhang, adds a sculptural element and functional dining space. Natural light now illuminates the area, creating a bright and inviting environment for family gatherings.

Sustainable Material Reuse

The project emphasizes sustainability, with national travertine marble removed from the original bathrooms repurposed for terrazzo flooring in the kitchen, service area, and powder room. The marble is creatively integrated as both a pebble base and in triangle-shaped fragments, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to material reuse.

Curated Brazilian Furniture

The apartment's interiors are enriched by furniture from iconic Brazilian designers, including Gustavo Bittencourt, Domingos Tótora, Sergio Bernardes, Paulo Alves, Estúdio Bola, Luciana Martins, Gerson de Oliveira, and Lina Bo Bardi. This selection of high-quality, locally crafted pieces reinforces the cultural identity of the home while blending harmoniously with the contemporary architectural language.

Key Features of Ibiapinópolis Apartment

• Open-plan living, dining, and kitchen areas
• Exposed structural concrete elements as design features
• Custom vertical-grooved carpentry panels for visual unity
• Sliding glass doors enhancing light and circulation
• On-site molded concrete kitchen table and countertops
• Restored original wooden flooring with modern balcony decking
• Sustainable terrazzo flooring using reclaimed travertine marble
• Brazilian designer furniture highlighting local craftsmanship

The Ibiapinópolis Apartment is a masterful example of modern urban living that balances functionality, aesthetic elegance, and family-friendly design. Its thoughtful spatial integration, sustainable material choices, and curated furniture create a cohesive, warm, and inspiring home in São Paulo.

All photographs are works of  André Scarpa