Modern Apartment Renovation with Curved Interiors: CORE Apartment by BOLO arquitetos

A Thoughtful Redesign Rooted in Material Honesty and Spatial Flow

In the heart of Barra Funda, Brazil, BOLO arquitetos has redefined apartment living with the transformation of a dated 990 ft² residence into a luminous, expressive home titled CORE Apartment. This project stands as a compelling example of modern apartment renovation with curved interiors, blending raw materials, spatial openness, and sculptural design gestures into a warm and highly functional space.

Breaking Walls, Creating Light

The original three-bedroom layout was constricted, dark, and compartmentalized. BOLO’s approach began with a complete demolition of interior barriers within the social zones. This reorganization eliminated one bedroom and expanded the living space, allowing natural light to cascade deeper into the apartment. The kitchen was opened up and highlighted by a suspended island—a bold architectural move that anchors the entire social core of the home.

Curves as Spatial Sculptures

One of the defining features of the renovation is the use of architectural curves to differentiate spaces. A sweeping, sculptural partition elegantly separates social and intimate areas while introducing visual dynamism. This curved wall does not merely divide—it connects and flows, housing the bespoke office designed for the clients’ work-from-home needs. These forms soften transitions and enrich the sensorial experience of moving through the apartment.

Material Truth and Tactile Presence

BOLO's design philosophy emphasizes the “truth of materials,” and it’s clearly on display in CORE. Exposed structural elements like concrete beams and columns celebrate the rawness of the building, while materials such as granilite, artisanal tiles, colored joinery, and visible metalwork evoke the influence of Lina Bo Bardi’s iconic Glass House. Every material was chosen to express authenticity, texture, and permanence, allowing the architecture to speak for itself.

Spaces with Identity and Intent

The layout now features two bedrooms, an expansive master suite with a custom walk-in closet, and a secondary room envisioned for a future child—playful, open, and adaptable. Bathrooms echo the project’s cohesive palette, with tiled surfaces extending BOLO’s signature language throughout. The transformation elevates everyday routines into intimate rituals through considered spatial zoning and personal expression.

Collaboration as a Creative Force

The design process was an intensely collaborative endeavor between architects and clients—described as a “four-handed” creation. The homeowners’ direct involvement in shaping decisions around unconventional finishes and spatial configurations ensured that the final product was not only customized but truly co-authored. This mutual investment brought clarity and character to the entire renovation, exemplifying the studio's belief that meaningful architecture results from dialogue.

A Signature of BOLO's Creative Identity

CORE is a manifesto of BOLO arquitetos' evolving design DNA. It integrates hallmark elements like visible structure, handmade surfaces, and expressive geometries into a coherent, modern living environment. But more than that, it affirms how architecture can respond to individual needs with creativity, warmth, and integrity. In a world often dominated by standardization, this modern apartment renovation with curved interiors proves that tailored, narrative-rich design remains deeply relevant.

All Photographs are works of Alberto Ricci