The Terrazzo Apartment in São Paulo, Brazil, designed by Studio Arthur Casas, features custom elements inspired by Carlo Scarpa. Created for a couple who are passionate about spacious and continuous spaces, the apartment prioritizes functionality and minimalist finishes.

Custom Terrazo Floor Defines São Paulo Apartment

Owners of the Terrazzo Apartment sought a home in São Paulo, turning to Studio Arthur Casas to design a functional, minimalist space. One a professional chef and the other an enthusiast of continuous spaces, the couple’s brief guided the design prioritizing practicality, art prominence, and high technology.

Preserving Original Features

The original exposed concrete slab was preserved as a base material, with terrazo flooring chosen for its visual continuity. Inspired by Carlo Scarpa’s Venetian floor in the Olivetti showroom, the custom terrazo flooring features a cementitious composition with marble fragments arranged in orthogonal geometric patterns.

Studio Arthur Casas’ choice of materials reflects a contemporary essence, contrasting a stainless-steel kitchen island with minimalist wooden cabinets that conceal appliances. Lighting, sound, and automation infrastructures are embedded in the ceiling, enhancing the cosy ambience. Only the wood veneer’s thickness resonates sound, and the “non-light” concept means lamps are fully embedded to allow precise light emission.

Minimalistic Approach

Around the dining table, leather and metal Tucroma chairs face the chef, fostering interaction. A Beatriz Milhazes painting adds colour, while Anish Kapoor’s mirrored art reflects metal surfaces. Art curation in the social area includes a sculpture by Túlio Pinto in the entry hall and a piece by Krajcberg on the living room wall.

Opposite, the seating area features a Serpentine Sofa by Holly Hunt, a Ghost Armchair in glass by Fiam, vintage chairs from Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, and an Ettore Side Table in colourful marble. Lighting includes Lune Lamps floor lights and discreet track lights to showcase the art’s true colours.

The home theater connects through a modular ExtraSoft Sofa by Living Divani, with varied seat widths for both spaces. The TV is hidden within a mirrored glass wall, maintaining a clean and continuous look. Highlighting the home theater are two Karuselli Armchairs in caramel and white.

Creating Functional Spaces

The layout was modified to create a home office, functioning as a transition between social and private areas. With sliding doors for privacy and flexibility, the office centre features the Jambu desk and a vintage Pollock Chair. Above the off-white cabinetry, terrazzo reappears as a wall covering.

From the office, a hallway connects to both bedrooms, with European oak wood flooring creating a cosier atmosphere. One side leads to the master suite, featuring a wooden sculpture by Tunga, a spacious room in earthy tones with double closets and a bathroom with separate sinks, showers, and toilets. Highlights include the Delfino Armchair paired with the Tupi bedside table designed by Arthur Casas. The other side houses a second suite with Terry O’Neill photographs above the bed, and standout design pieces such as the Perch Coat Stand by Nendo, Lurdes desk, and Tubo chair.

Focusing on Cohesive Design

In the bathrooms, Carrara marble covers surfaces from countertops to cabinet fronts, with brushed graphite metal fixtures complementing the grey marble veins. Technology is subtly integrated throughout, fulfilling the client’s request for automation, motion sensors, and “invisible” lighting, using recessed slots to maintain the minimalist aesthetic.

According to Studio Arthur Casas, the “custom-designed flooring reflects the Studio’s commitment to innovation, exploring solutions rarely seen in the national Brazilian market”.