Apê Cayowaá | Jessica Ruy

The project of renovation for APÊ CAYOWAÁ is based on two main axes, according to the family's demands: light and new uses.

During our conversations about the project, there were constant complaints about the lack of light and the desire for a more adequate space to accommodate the many family meetings and parties at the matriarch's house. Therefore, much of the compartmentalization of the apartment came down and the layout was completely reformulated.

The idea was initially to open and fully integrate the kitchen and living rooms. However, we found large pillars on the dividing wall of these rooms, as well as the building's gas plumb, forcing an adaptation of the proposal. Taking advantage of the difficulty imposed, the great pillar became a beautiful panel of tiles.

The kitchen extended to where it was originally a laundry room and gained spacious, well-lit worktops next to the windows. The laundry room now occupies the former maid's room. We also proposed changing the service bathroom to a toilet, returning it to the cloakroom adjacent to the kitchen and entrance to the house.

In places where delimitations were necessary, we avoided closed plans, in order to allow the passage of light and amplitude, as in the woodworking designed for the rooms. In addition, it is multifunctional, because besides of partially separating the spaces, it keeps toys, a children's table, a small wardrobe for the daughters and granddaughters and a space for a TV on the side facing the playroom/bedroom/TV room. On the side facing the hallway, it allows easy access to the TV wiring, has a wardrobe, more storage space and niches for books, family photos and decoration. It also guarantees a non-monotonous hall.

To bring greater versatility in use, between the playroom/bedroom and the TV room we designed a translucent glass sliding door, allowing this space to be integrated into the social area, or to fulfill the role of a second guest bedroom. It was also requested that there were two entrances to the main guest room - the original entrance facing the hall and the other facing the playroom/bedroom - as they would like to be able to use shared or isolated spaces with children.

Although the daughters and granddaughters are very present in their daily lives, the house has only one fixed resident. Therefore, we proposed a small expansion in the suite, occupying part of the guest bedroom, enough to make a lighted dressing table.