Mangueira Apartment by Coarquitetos: A Modernist Renovation in Brasília

A Thoughtful Apartment Renovation in the Heart of Brasília

Located in SQN 411 Bloco Q, Brasília, the Mangueira Apartment renovation by Coarquitetos transforms an 84m² residential unit into a modern, airy, and functional space. Completed in 2022, this interior design project balances minimalism with warmth, and innovation with architectural heritage.

Rethinking Urban Living: From Compartmentalized to Connected

The client's initial request was to renovate her apartment, which originally included three bedrooms, one of which functioned as a suite with a dressing room and bathroom. Through a collaborative design process, the architects proposed a major transformation—merging the kitchen and one of the bedrooms into the living area to establish a spacious, open-plan layout filled with natural light.

Balancing Functionality and Minimalist Aesthetics

An essential element of the brief was to reassess the need for multiple bathrooms. Since the client lives alone, the decision was made to eliminate the suite and create a single, large, multifunctional bathroom. This strategic move allowed for more generous living spaces while still maintaining adaptability for future occupants.

A Centralized Bathroom as an Architectural Feature

Rather than being hidden away, the bathroom became a central, accessible island, surrounded by the apartment’s social zones. On one side lies the kitchen, and on the other, an office. The living room sits at the front, and at the back, a unique space with a hot tub opens onto a façade of cobogós, functioning alternately as a social balcony or private retreat.

This intelligent spatial configuration allows for circular flow throughout the apartment. Privacy, when needed, is easily managed with flowing curtains.

Material Palette: Quiet Elegance with Modernist Roots

Coarquitetos selected materials that echo Brasília’s modernist architectural history while maintaining simplicity and warmth. Key features include:

• Andorinha granite countertops
• Freijó wood joinery
• White tiled walls for a clean, neutral backdrop
• Terracotta tile cladding for the bathroom island, referencing iconic local buildings like Cine Brasília and the “tesourinhas do eixão”

These materials not only complement one another but also foster a cohesive and timeless atmosphere.

The Role of Cobogós and Light

The design gives prominence to the cobogós façade, treating it as both a visual focal point and a functional lighting element. Its integration creates a unique semi-outdoor experience, enhancing the interior with soft, dappled light while maintaining privacy and ventilation.

 A Dialogue Between Modernism and Contemporary Living

The Mangueira Apartment stands as a refined example of residential renovation in Brasília, reflecting a deep understanding of architectural context, client needs, and spatial innovation. Coarquitetos' thoughtful design turns a standard apartment into a vibrant, flexible living space grounded in Brazil’s modernist legacy.

All Photographs are works of Maurício Araújo