Marquês Project by Bric Arquitectura | Portillo & Pantoja – A Warm, Light-Filled Apartment Renovation in Rio de Janeiro

The Marquês Project, designed by Bric Arquitetura | Portillo & Pantoja, transforms an 84m² apartment in Rio de Janeiro’s Gávea neighborhood into a refined, highly functional home tailored to a new stage in its owner’s life. After her daughter moved abroad, the client — a creative professional seeking a fresh start — exchanged her large 200m² property for a compact residence aligned with simplicity, comfort, and day-to-day practicality.

This thoughtful renovation celebrates spatial optimization, warm natural materials, and flexible living, showcasing the architects’ ability to reinterpret modern urban living with elegance.

A Complete Spatial Reconfiguration for Social Living

One of the core goals of the project was to reorganize the original layout to support a more fluid and sociable lifestyle. The architects expanded the previously small 12m² living room into a generous 41m² open-concept social area by incorporating the former kitchen, service zones, and one of the bedrooms.

This transformed the apartment’s core into a multifunctional space perfect for hosting guests, watching movies, or relaxing in a peaceful, light-filled environment. The expanded living area is complemented by a new spatial arrangement that includes:

• A master suite with walk-in closet
• A full bathroom
• A flexible guest room/home office, ideal for her daughter’s return visits

The reconfigured floor plan reflects the client's desire for a home that balances intimacy, hospitality, and functionality.

Concealed Kitchen Solutions to Enhance Fluidity

Although the kitchen and laundry remain in their original positions, they are now seamlessly integrated into the apartment’s design through custom white cabinetry.

A thoughtfully designed folding door system allows the kitchen to be fully concealed when not in use — a solution that contributes to visual clarity and enhanced spatial flow. This strategy highlights the architects’ focus on efficient macro-planning, ensuring utility without compromising aesthetics.

A Sculptural “Ship Hull” Ceiling as the Project’s Signature Element

During construction, the team faced a significant structural challenge: uneven slabs that threatened to reduce the ceiling height in key areas. Instead of accepting a technical compromise, the architects embraced the difficulty as an opportunity to create a sculptural gesture.

The result is a striking curved ceiling, combining wood and plaster in a form reminiscent of a “ship hull.” This visually fluid element both resolves technical limitations and becomes a defining aesthetic statement, adding movement, depth, and artisanal character to the social spaces.

Natural Light, Warm Materials, and a Harmonious Atmosphere

To balance privacy, comfort, and light, the architects incorporated wooden brise-soleils along key façade areas. These elements filter daylight, create soothing shadows, and improve thermal performance — essential for the Rio de Janeiro climate.

The interior palette emphasizes natural materials, including:

• Warm wood surfaces
• Exposed concrete details
• Soft linen curtains
• Carefully curated lighting

Together, these elements create a serene atmosphere that feels both fresh and timeless. The materiality underscores the architects’ commitment to coherence and refined simplicity.

A Home Designed for a New Chapter

The Marquês Project goes beyond simple renovation. It represents an intimate architectural response to a life transition — a new home aligned with emotional clarity, everyday comfort, and contemporary living.

Through meticulous spatial reorganization, custom carpentry, and thoughtful material choices, Bric Arquitetura | Portillo & Pantoja crafted an apartment that feels spacious despite its compact footprint. Every detail reflects intentionality, transforming the residence into a light, functional, and deeply personal space.

All photographs are works of André Nazareth