“Ottoni House Renovation: Preserving 1970s Architecture with Contemporary Design in São Paulo”

Revitalizing a 1970s Architectural Gem

The Ottoni House, originally designed in the 1970s by renowned architects Dácio and David Ottoni, underwent an extensive renovation led by Peninsula Arquitetura. Located in the prestigious Alto de Pinheiros neighborhood in São Paulo, the residence was thoughtfully updated to respect its original architectural identity while adapting to modern living standards. The project carefully balances preservation, contemporary functionality, and sustainability, resulting in a home that harmonizes history with current lifestyle needs.

Preserving Original Elements

During the renovation, Peninsula Arquitetura prioritized maintaining key architectural features that define the essence of the Ottoni House. Significant elements preserved include:

• The concrete structural framework, a signature trait of the original design.
• The garage floor and volumes of the ground floor bathrooms.
• The staircase leading to the upper floor, ensuring continuity in circulation and spatial logic.

These elements were restored with care and integrated seamlessly into the new design, allowing the residence to honor its historical and architectural legacy.

Expanding and Optimizing Social Spaces

To create more open and integrated living areas, two new service volumes were added to the ground floor:

1. Service Area & Kitchen Block: Houses a fully equipped kitchen, cold room, and utility spaces, designed for practical daily use.
2. Office Volume: Provides a functional workspace while maintaining visual harmony with the original structure.

The living and dining rooms were reimagined to enhance spatial fluidity. Almost all walls and the subfloor were removed, replaced with a light-toned granite floor with small stones, which accentuates the interplay between the concrete pillars, exposed slabs, and vibrant colored volumes.

Materiality and Aesthetic Coherence

The renovation emphasizes material unity and visual coherence:

• Ceramic flooring was chosen in functional areas like the kitchen and service spaces.
• Doors, metalwork, and brick elements were painted a warm orange hue, creating harmony and continuity across the interiors.
• The backyard features permeable landscaping, preserving natural connections while highlighting the pool area with a reflective finish for visual impact.

The kitchen was redesigned for both aesthetics and practicality, equipped with high-quality appliances and materials to enhance social gatherings and daily living. The restored pool retains its original dimensions, continuing to serve as a central hub for relaxation and leisure.

Upper Floor: Private Retreats and Relaxation

The upper floor was adapted to meet modern lifestyle needs:

• A new suite and TV room were created using previously underutilized balcony spaces.
• A preserved balcony was transformed into a soothing ofuro, offering a private retreat.
• A rooftop terrace was added for outdoor relaxation and panoramic views of the surrounding neighborhood.

Sustainability and energy efficiency were incorporated through strategically installed air conditioning systems and photovoltaic panels, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach without compromising the architectural language of the home.

Contemporary Yet Timeless

The Ottoni House renovation reflects a delicate balance between historical preservation and contemporary functionality. By respecting original design elements while integrating modern, sustainable, and functional spaces, the residence stands as a testament to thoughtful architectural renovation. The home now fully reflects the residents’ personality and lifestyle while honoring the work of Dácio and David Ottoni.

This project exemplifies how careful architectural preservation can coexist with modern enhancements, creating a harmonious home that respects its past while embracing the present.