Lúcio Costa House Renovation by Amanda Arcuri: Redefining Kitchen and Living Spaces in Rio de Janeiro

The Lúcio Costa House, a landmark project by the iconic Carioca architect Lúcio Costa, has been thoughtfully reimagined by Amanda Arcuri to reflect contemporary living patterns while honoring its original architectural essence. Situated on a steep slope in Rio de Janeiro, the house is known for its single-story design “hanging over the abyss,” seamlessly integrating with the challenging terrain.

The renovation focuses on the kitchen as the heart of the home, transforming it from a once-enclosed, peripheral space into a central hub for family life, social interaction, and culinary activity. This approach mirrors the evolving role of kitchens in modern residential architecture, emphasizing openness, flexibility, and multifunctionality.

Architectural Design

Original Layout

Originally, the house was organized across multiple levels to adapt to the steep topography.

• Street Level: Main access, kitchen, dining room, living room, and porch.
• Lower Floors: Four bedrooms, an office, an atelier, support rooms, and a service area.
• Bottom Level: Outdoor free area, pool, and garden.

In Costa’s original design, the kitchen was a small, enclosed space, with walls that blocked views of Rio de Janeiro, including the Lagoon and Christ the Redeemer. The garage-facing wall also interrupted visual and physical connectivity with the access landing, limiting circulation and interaction.

Renovation Approach

The renovation by Amanda Arcuri sought to reconnect the kitchen with the rest of the house and enhance functionality while preserving the house’s architectural identity:

• Wall Removal: Two walls were removed and replaced with metallic frames painted yellow, echoing the original black facade frames but allowing flexible closure and transparency.
• Space Integration: Upper and lower landings were leveled to connect the kitchen with adjacent spaces, creating a seamless flow throughout the main floor.
• Functional Countertop: An 8-meter-long concrete countertop acts as the centerpiece, supporting multiple kitchen activities while serving as a social gathering point.
• Visual Openness: The removal of barriers restores panoramic views of Rio’s cityscape and natural landmarks, integrating interior spaces with the surrounding environment.

Interior Design

The interior retains the modernist character of Lúcio Costa while introducing warmth and material contrast:

• Wood and Concrete: The use of wood beams, wooden furniture, and concrete countertops adds texture and durability.
• Lighting and Transparency: Carefully placed lighting enhances natural daylight, complementing the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas.
• Multifunctional Spaces: The kitchen now functions as a dining, social, and culinary hub, reinforcing the home’s role as a gathering space.

This renovation demonstrates a sensitive blend of historic architectural respect with modern functionality, creating a home that celebrates both heritage and contemporary lifestyle.

Sustainable and Functional Features

While the renovation primarily focused on spatial reconfiguration, it also emphasizes practicality and sustainability:

• Material Efficiency: Use of durable wood, concrete, and glass ensures longevity and minimal maintenance.
• Natural Ventilation and Views: Openings and restructured spaces improve airflow and daylight penetration, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
• Flexible Living: The removal of rigid walls and the introduction of modular frames allow adaptability for future household needs.

The Lúcio Costa House renovation by Amanda Arcuri exemplifies how modern interventions can enhance historic designs, balancing functionality, aesthetics, and respect for architectural heritage. By transforming the kitchen into a central hub, this project demonstrates how thoughtful design can adapt to contemporary living patterns while preserving iconic modernist elements.

All the photographs are works of Renato Mangolin