Apartamento JP

However, when the mission is to design one’s own residence, the absence of creative restrictions and the opportunity to experiment with unprecedented solutions and materials becomes a unique opportunity. This was the scenario experienced by architect Jordan Perez, partner at FJ55 Arquitetos alongside Felipe Perez.

The search for a new address began in 2022, when the desire to acquire a property that reflected his essence took shape. Among the real estate visits, upon entering the original 1960s apartment in São Paulo for the first time, two elements caught the attention of the architect and future resident: the original wooden parquet flooring and the wide openings on three of the facades. The possibility of restoring the floor and transforming the layout were decisive factors for the acquisition.

For the single resident, the original segmented layout, with two bedrooms and traditionally isolated service areas, required adjustments to meet his lifestyle. The walls that initially separated the living room from the kitchen were removed, as were those that delineated the first bedroom. The second bedroom was enlarged, transforming into the master suite.

In the architect’s previous home, the long hours dedicated to work, whether designing or in online meetings in the small home office, created discomfort, especially when reflecting on the underutilization of the home. Additionally, balancing the visual information was essential for a professional in the creative field so that it was possible to mentally disconnect from the work environment at the end of the day. These were, therefore, the main aspects to be reimagined in the proposal.

Exploring the use of unusual materials in residential spaces, or those not typically accepted by traditional clients, was an old desire. The walls of the entrance hall and, partially, the living room, were covered with brushed aluminum panels. The reflection of the material captures light and disperses it throughout the space, creating an atmosphere that is simple, but not simplistic. The switches retained the same finish so as not to interfere aesthetically with the overall design. Other surfaces were painted white to preserve the visual purity, while the original wooden floor underwent careful restoration.

On this base, a rational selection of furniture and artworks composes the environment, reinforcing the essentialist lifestyle. The curation proposes a harmonious dialogue between modern and contemporary pieces. In the living room, the MP-41 sofa stands out, with a Pau-Ferro structure and white fabric, originally designed by Percival Lafer between 1966-68 and restored by Galeria Teo. It harmonizes with the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen in off-white bouclé fabric, the AD side table by Estúdio Florentino, and a pair of amber glass tables by Pair.

A bench over six meters long, positioned beneath the window, spans the space and performs multiple functions, from a console for books and objects to a support area for hosting friends and family.

To balance the professional moments in the studio, where he is a partner, with the periods of creative process working at home—now in a space that embraces the atmosphere of a home—a generous table was designed, offering multifunctionality between work and meals. The piece is surrounded by a set of Senior chairs, with the original design (1959) by Jorge Zalszupin, reissued by Etel Design (2006). Works by artists Christian Bittencourt, Armarinhos Teixeira, and Roberto Wagner bring stories to the walls, table, and console.

The integration of spaces, the light color palette, and the careful selection of materials and furniture pieces help create the desired calm atmosphere from the initial design.

On the other hand, the physical and visual communication between the living room and the kitchen ensures that, on days when hosting guests, interaction is not interrupted. The absence of traditional fixed elements to sectorize the spaces, such as peninsulas, reinforces the concept, with the choice of a modular stainless-steel countertop that dialogues with the wall cladding.

The transition between environments is subtle, marked by the change in flooring material in the kitchen, now with Monofloor—a monolithic finish with no joints, waterproof technology, and high stain resistance. The material used for the first time in a project by the office, where the residence serves as a space for experimentation. Another important detail is that all cabinets are arranged in a continuous lower line, maximizing natural light intake. The wood-finished cabinetry contrasts with the white marble countertop.

The solution for a flexible opening system in the bedroom was crucial, as the door would be visible from the living room. After various studies, the choice was made for three pivoting wooden doors.

Among the set of references forming the “treasure chest of memories” of the architect-resident, the narrative aesthetic of the scenes in the works of American filmmaker David Lynch, especially in the series Twin Peaks (1990-1991), served as a starting point for the bedroom project, though here in a more serene interpretation. Instead of cladding the walls, the environment was completely enveloped in off-white fabric curtains. The monochromatic composition includes an upholstered bed, designed exclusively for the home, a side table (Pair), a B3 floor lamp (Universo Ambipar), and a Zag bench (Estar Móveis).

In the bathroom, the rounded corners of the shower walls were preserved. Above, a circular crown molding indirectly illuminates the wet area and frames the shower, which seems to emerge from the ceiling. On the exterior, the white marble countertop complemented by a wooden lower cabinet. Above the mirror, the Lucellino sconce by Ingo Maurer (Fas Iluminação) adds a dreamlike touch to the space. The floor is finished in Monofloor—the same applied in the kitchen.