Retrofit House 275: IN arq+design Revitalizes Curitiba’s Iconic Brutalist Residence

Located in Curitiba, Brazil, Retrofit House 275, formerly known as Casa MIC, is a landmark brutalist residence originally designed by the renowned architect Manoel Coelho in 1981. This iconic home, where Coelho and his family lived for 40 years, underwent an extensive renovation in 2021 led by IN arq+design, aiming to respect the original architectural essence while adapting the residence to modern living.

The retrofit project focused on preserving the home’s defining brutalist features while reinterpreting spatial flows, optimizing natural light, and integrating contemporary comforts. With a total area of 5,382 ft², the house spans two floors distributed across half-levels, including three intimate floors and a central social floor featuring an open-plan living area, dining spaces, and a garden with a swimming pool.

Architectural Interventions and Spatial Reconfiguration

The project prioritized technological upgrades and sustainability. Electrical and hydraulic systems were fully modernized, and the home now features solar panels, water reuse systems, automated controls, heated flooring, high-speed internet, and advanced security systems.

The most substantial intervention occurred in the main suite, which expanded from 35m² to approximately 63m², integrating a new closet and two bathrooms. Similarly, the former Ceramic Street Pottery Studio was transformed into a Kitchen Bar on the social floor, creating a versatile entertainment space. The Winter Garden, originally separated by a window frame from the dining room, was integrated to enhance light penetration, harmonizing vegetation with concrete and the zenith openings on the slab.

Restoration and Material Preservation

The retrofit carefully restored original concrete surfaces, addressing weather-related deterioration and exposed hardware. Iconic elements such as the yellow façade brises, original lighting fixtures, wooden furniture, and characteristic yellow tiles were preserved or reinterpreted to honor the home’s architectural heritage.

Interior Design and Aesthetic Approach

The interiors emphasize freedom, balance, and color. Furniture arrangements highlight texture and form, complemented by Brazilian designer pieces, including Couch Barcelona, Poltrona Red and Blue, and other signature items from Estúdio Bola and Elmor Studio. Artistic tapestries like the Pompeii Carpet by Giacomo Tomazi and Off White Tapestry Wall by Alex Rocca add subtle cultural references while maintaining a cohesive contemporary aesthetic.

Through this retrofit, IN arq+design successfully balanced heritage preservation and modern functionality, creating a home that celebrates its brutalist origins while responding to the needs of new residents.

All photographs are works of  Brenda Pontes