Renovating the Interior of an Old Apartment is Not Easy, Castro Cyon Arquitetas Uses the Concept of "Just The Way You Are"

A 130-square-meter apartment in Leblon, Rip de Janeiro, Brazil, was built in the 50s. Given the age of the building, Castro Cyon Arquitetas finally renovated the apartment's interior without changing the building's original features. 

(The blue sofa in the living room stands out)

The rigid, narrow, and old shape of the space is the main thing that Castro Cyon Arquitetas notes in renovating the interior of this apartment. The team started this renovation project from the design of an open plan by opening old walls in several parts to create a free and spacious connection between spaces while providing access to natural light circulation to enter the entire apartment area as a source of lighting.

(Warmth is present in the dining room with the selection of wooden furniture)

(Wood material is also presented in the kitchen)

However, another problem accompanies this renovation process: the large columns usually present in old apartment buildings found in this apartment are part of the mass structure of the building that can't be demolished or moved. In response to this case, Castro Cyon Arquitetas then thought of a solution by creating a bookshelf that stretched between the two columns of the structure. These bookshelves have created an interconnected space while still maintaining the privacy of the space. Concrete blocks and columns exposed as a result of the demolition of the walls were deliberately left to give the concept of space "Just The Way You Are."

(Interior of Apartment General Artigas)

The restoration of this apartment carries on different floor materials in each area. The application of varying floor materials aims to evoke the atmosphere and limit each space's function. The terrace area that blends with the living room and dining area is defined by wooden floors for the living room and dining area, while terracotta tiles apply. to the terrace. The selection of floor materials also distinguishes the children's bedroom area and the master bedroom area to give a different impression in each room.

(Master bedroom)

(Children's bedroom)

In this renovation project, Castro Cyon Arquitetas chose a natural color tone to provide comfort and give the impression of what is in the apartment's interior. To avoid boredom with natural colors, the team evoked the atmosphere of the space by adding a bright blue color to the sofa and window frames to make it look harmonious between the interior and the façade of the building.

(Castro Cyon Arquitetas presents different floor materials to become the boundary between spaces)