Casa Cor | Gisele Taranto Arquitetura

The 24th edition of the event Casa Cor Rio de Janeiro - largest and most important event of architecture and decoration in Brazil - this year, keeping its innovative character, holds an area of ​​4500m² within the Casa Shopping, the largest decoration mall in the country. This area was divided into lofts, studios, apartments, living and entertainment areas. Gisele Taranto, Brazilian architect and constant participant in previous editions, signed 2014’s Deca Space - famous Brazilian brand of metal ware and bathroom accessories.

The challenge of this project was to make the audience feel at home while admiring Deca products without having the feeling of being inside a showroom. With this in mind we designed a loft divided into two areas: social and intimate, divided only by a cabinet that, in the social side comprehends the kitchen and in the intimate side, the suite’s wardrobe. Throughout the areas we found different ways of exposing each product, either explicitly, playfully or sensory. Holes were created in the drywall - referring to the work of Duchamp - Étant donnes - allowing the public to observe differently the various products displayed behind these wall. Through this experience people can also watch video installations by famous artists. The sensory experience is not just limited to the holes; smells, sounds and textures are everywhere. Children can also be part of this experience since small bathroom accessories and a cartoon video (all connected to the bathing universe) were placed behind the walls specifically for them.

A long reflecting pool lined with a green wall, connect all areas and contribute to lower the ambient temperature and promote environmental comfort. Considering the product and the brand, we always had the concern of choosing each object and artwork that had some connection, whether on the side of comfort, durability, high design, technology and sustainability.

A partition in transparent glass is what separates the bathroom / spa room from the bedroom. The toilet and bidet were made private through a nautical fabric curtain structured in stainless steel. The bathing area has two large showers that, through their great flow, give the idea of a waterfall, while the cement bench turns into a massage bed with water jets. On one side we have a conventional counter with two sinks and on the opposite side two column sinks. For relaxation the bathroom also has a marble bathing tub. Both the bench and the tub are made of Baiteg Blue limestone, designed by the architect herself. The towel holders were designed in partnership with Gisele Taranto. All metal ware is in matte gold.

This loft was built within a "tropical pavilion" located on the rooftop, where you can enjoy the magnificent view of Lagoa da Tijuca and Pedra da Gávea. The iron structure is covered with a mesh of opaque and translucent tiles that allow the use of natural light, essential in a space that embraces adequate sustainable materials and environmental and technological friendly concepts. Beneath this roof was created a recess with irregular plans and a huge mesh of bamboo and tissue that filter and more adequately distribute the natural light while partially blocking direct heat since the warm air created there is eliminated through natural air crossover exhaustion.

The interior is a continuation of the facade, either through features or chosen materials. A large glass plan integrates the space with all the breathtaking scenery while a portico frames the entrance. The entire floor and walls are in Tecno-Cement, joinery is made in gray lacquer, also designed by Gisele Taranto Architecture.

The color palette was intentionally chosen in neutral tones so that the focus was on the products presented and the beautiful selection of works of art carefully selected by curator Vanda Klabin. Works by Vik Muniz, Laura Vinci, Laura Erber, Gabriela Maciel, Suzana Queiroga, Anna Paola Protasio, Niura Bellavinha, Valter Lano, Martha Jourdan, Fernando de La Rocque, Shirley Paes Leme, Eduardo Coimbra, Vanderlei Lopes, Thiago Rocha Pitta and Daniel Escobar are displayed in this space, that is a piece of art itself: the grey massively present in all the space is like a continuation of the lagoon across the site, while the green walls are like a reflection of the surrounding landscape. In this project, it’s as if the scenery outside is being brought inside.

Maintaining the high quality of the architecture, high design furniture was chosen. Bench, dining table and side table by Jader Almeida; side table and bench by Jorge Zalszupin e Sergio Rodrigues, respectively, and table by Branco & Preto Team. Four chairs and a Daybed from designer Paola Lenti , a sofa by B&B Italia (design by Antonio Citterio). Benchs from Vitra by designer Jasper Morrison, kitchen appliances are by Subzero-Wolf: cooktop, steamer and fridge. In the suite, bed, armchair and side tables are from Gervasoni, by Paola Navone; chair from Vitra, designed by Charles Eames & Eero Saarinen. Bed linen from Zucchi, and mattress by Colunex. 

The lighting design is by Lighting Designer Maneco Quinderé featuring releases of his own creations and some of Jader Almeida’s pieces.