We admit that you may be misled into thinking this apartment hails from Southern Europe. But while it is from a land where Portuguese is the local language, this family home resides in Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo – the vanguard of Brazilian design, rich in culture and history. The work of GDL Arquitetura, this project caught our eye at est for putting the creative forces of its cosmopolitan location on the map, all in a compact apartment.

DESIGN GDL Arquitetura | PHOTOGRAPHY Maíra Acayaba

GDL Arquitetura were intuitive to the family’s request for a free-flowing apartment where space comes at a premium. Challenging the limits of the dimensions, the firm sought to recreate rooms by removing partitions, in order to produce a large and fluid space that hones in on natural light. Environments have been united by timber that dresses the apartment from top to toe. Rich timber walls, polished flooring, shelving and storage establish different zones within the shared spaces, where the family won’t have to worry about encroaching on each other. The floor-to-ceiling sliding doors extend living space to a balcony-like area of light and vibrant plant life, and vertical greenery and sheer curtains enclose the perfect private dining experience. With a dining setting of that size there is no shortage of places at the table; we definitely wouldn’t pass up a Brazilian banquet in the expansive entertaining area.

Out of this clever canvas, GDL Arquitetura have inducted a warm and solemn atmosphere. The interiors have been curated with a selection of contemporary and antique furniture – regal and well-matched – for that lived-in feeling. As the ages collide in soft furnishings, a mid-century aesthetic has ensued. Tan and terracotta tones sit pretty on polished concrete, layered by warm grey. A collection of objects tell tales of travel and family adventure,  sourced from around the globe and propped on the crafted wooden shelves. These pieces are a gentle generation of interest and colour, reflecting the vibrant city the apartment resides in.

Don’t be fooled, this is no European apartment by any means. Thanks to the expert craftsmanship of GDL Arquitetura it’s in a league of its own, making its mark on the global design scene and leaving us itching for a Brazilian getaway.

‘The lighting project focused on indirect lights, complemented by applied luminaires.’

— GDL Arquitetura Architect Gabriel de Lucca