Marquês Project/Bric Arquitectura | Portillo & Pantoja

Marquês Project/Bric Arquitectura, With her daughter moving abroad, the client — a publicist — decided to begin a new chapter in a smaller, more practical apartment aligned with her daily routine. She left behind an old 200m² property and moved to a new 84m² home in Gávea, in Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone. The challenge for Bric Arquitetura was to optimize every square meter with purpose — and elegance.

The main design strategy was to reconfigure the original layout to expand the social areas. The living room, originally just 12m², was enlarged to a generous 41m² by incorporating the former kitchen, service areas, and one of the bedrooms. The new layout prioritizes everyday use and comfort, ideal for receiving guests or simply relaxing with a movie. In addition to the social area, the floor plan now includes a suite with a walk-in closet, a full bathroom, and a flexible guest room/home office — perfect for when her daughter visits.

The kitchen and laundry remain in their original location but are now fully concealed behind white cabinetry. Folding doors allow for seamless integration, offering practicality without compromising usability. This custom carpentry solution enhances the flow and clarity of the space.

A major structural challenge emerged during renovation: uneven slabs threatened the ceiling height. The architects responded with a sculptural element — a curved ceiling of wood and plaster nicknamed the “ship hull.” This feature resolved the technical issue and became a signature aesthetic gesture.

Another constructive highlight is the use of wooden brise-soleils, which filter natural light while offering privacy and thermal comfort. The palette of natural materials — exposed concrete, warm wood, and soft linen curtains — brings lightness and depth to the project.

More than a renovation, this project is an architectural translation of a new life phase: light, functional, and carefully crafted down to every detail.

Project Info
Architects: Bric Arquitetura | Portillo e Pantoja
Country: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro
Area: 904 ft²
Year: 2025
Photographs: André Nazareth
Technical Drawings: Gabriel Bonfim, Alexia Candiago
Visual Production: Ekko Home
Woodworking: K3 Marcenaria