Rodesia Apartment | Memola Estudio

Located in Vila Madalena, the 110m² apartment was partially renovated, focusing on the social areas. Designed for a couple – she from France and he from Brazil – and their two young kids, the home gained a farmhouse atmosphere with its historical traces of architecture and décor, alongside the comforting feeling of tranquility associated with this rustic style.

The clients were familiar with the studio’s work, which had been hired in the past to consult in the finishings and carpentry of their country house, a conceptual project designed together with the architects. Through this partnership came the decision to reach out to the studio for the apartment’s renovation.

The couple had already decided on the urban farm direction. It had to be functional, rustic but delicate, and the social area would be connected throughout. From these premises the new design came to be, consisting of works in the service and living areas.

Beginning with the entrance, new doors were salvaged from the Construverde store and immediately show forth the country airs, since they will welcome the family every day, as well as the guests. The ceiling was removed and the existing slab, which was very beautiful, got a new life. A new lighting design was created for the entire space, the wooden floors the only remaining item.

The furniture is all new, aligning romanticism and daintiness, fine details and specific colors, in harmony with the rusticity of a country house. The shelving behind the sofa was designed by the studio and conveys lightness so that the objects and books are protagonists. The armchairs’ fabric is delicate, matching the client’s romanticism. The iron crystal cabinet and the dining table were specifically designed for this apartment.

The kitchen is the project’s highlight. It was entirely altered by the removal of the wall that gave access to the dining room, a glass partition in its place. The choice for the floor was crucial to bring in more charm and elegance to the space, as the studio prioritizes the mix of industry and craft, the brutish and the delicate. The strategy was to find companies that made antique, hexagonal tiles in the shape of flowers, and the result exceeded all of the client’s expectations.

The rustic counter, of concrete made in situ, established the perfect counterpoint. Its sides were clad with neutral hydraulic tiles and the carpentry is light gray, so that all colors work together and the floor gets the importance it deserves.

The washroom is also clad, floor to ceiling, in tiles found in old demolition tiles museums. The sink comes from Minas Gerais, by Paulo Amorin.

The porch’s floor was also renewed, maintaining its essence and history.

Photography:
Isabela Mayer - https://isabelamayer.com/

Collaborators:

Veronica Molina

Vitor Penha

Bianca Sinisgalli

Luisa Oliveira