Cosmos Apartment

The old apartment, approximately 72m² in size, is located in a landmark of Curitiba’s modernism - Residencial Cosmos - and was once the home of two sisters during the early years of their adult life. It was an apartment that hosted study sessions, parties with friends, and moments of isolation during the pandemic. However, life unfolds in phases, and with new paths ahead, it was time to give the apartment a fresh identity.

The redesign of the apartment was driven by two main objectives: expanding the social areas by demolishing one of the bedrooms and fully remodeling the kitchen.

Expanding the living room was the simpler task. The primary challenge was identifying the location of the structural columns before proceeding with the demolition. The resulting positioning wasn’t ideal, but it was far from problematic. While the rooms were not entirely integrated into the new layout, the removal of the walls allowed natural light to flood the living room through the large windows, completely transforming the space's perception.

The kitchen remodel, on the other hand, was more complex. The client’s desire to position the sink next to the window could only be achieved if the laundry room was relocated. To address this, we proposed a solution commonly found abroad but rare in local projects: the laundry room was relocated to a tower adjacent to the en-suite bathroom. This reorganization also resulted in transforming the guest bathroom into a powder room - an unconventional but simple modification that made the envisioned kitchen a reality.

Additionally, we seized the opportunity to update what remains unseen: all plumbing and electrical systems were overhauled to meet current construction standards, ensuring the long-term durability of the entire renovation.

The design strategy focused on straightforward, cost-effective interventions, combining custom carpentry with paint finishes in two tones: terracotta and green. We also lowered the ceiling in the hallway area, creating distinct zones, contrasts, and atmospheres throughout the apartment. The standout feature, however, is the bench-flower box we designed next to the windows — a versatile space for growing plants, informal conversations, reading, and even studying.