Studio MK27's SP_Penthouse in São Paulo introduces retro-figures in the interiors, tracing the fluidity between spaces, all pathways, large corridors, infinite circulations and the palette of pastel tones in upholsteries. Although the penthouse is completed last year, it acts as if it is a kind of a reminiscent of a historical house inherited from a famous architect, artist, or historian. 

There are so much vintage hints and modern attributes in the interiors of the house while it is providing a fresh, elegance, calm and warm space to stay, and to discover. The architectural interiors for the penthouse sought to attend to the demands of the program with the minimal division of space possible, shaping spatial continuity and amplitude for the apartment. 

Infinite circulations accentuate the fluidity between the spaces and configure al pathways-of a clear understanding to the residents and their guests. Large corridors are also used here galleries for the clients' art collection and s as wells as pleasant architectural spaces, and not solely hallways.

The fundamental premise was for the architecture to a cozy and solemn atmosphere, where the fixed furniture of the room-designed especially for this place-would be in harmony with the classical design s-such as the sofas and chairs. among the selected pieces are original brazilian, scandinavian and italian designs signed by hugo frança, hans wegner, franco albini, gio ponti among others.

The internal surfaces were treated as continuous surfaces covered in late terra wood panels and corten steels plaques. The floors, in turn, are of travertine marble in the collective areas and wood in the bedrooms. The colors of these materials, with ochre and beige tints, dialogue with the fabric, for example, the linen gauze curtains. 

The reddish tones, used also on the upholstery, ended up creating a warm feeling for the space. All the spaces received the same care in this project and tried to surprises and emotions through a precise drawing, based on a careful architectural detailing.

The living room layouts-with floor lighting, sofas and club chairs, as well as end tables-define pleasant spaces for social gatherings. The spaces are organised by large carpets-also in neutral colours that do not stand out too much from the floor and as delicate markers for the activities. 

The lighting fixtures privileged indirect lights, such as recessed ceiling down-lights and abate-jours, complemented by some points in the ceiling next to the walls.

The apartment is organised into 3 floors. on the first floor are the bedrooms. on the second floor there is the kitchen, a home office, dining room and living room. The last floor houses the library with different reading ambiances and a spa that has a covered pool, a winter garden and a gym.

All of the spaces on the top floor have a double ceiling-height. thus, the spa and library could be designed taking advantage of the spaciousness of the architecture in behalf of the program. thus, the pool is positioned in continuity with a dense garden-even having small tress-in this way creating a tropical atmosphere together with the minimalist place of bathing. The walls are made in slatted wood and the ceiling in a metallic weaved lining.

The library has floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves suggesting that even the books can serve as future space lining. From this space as well, there is a spectacular view looking out on the city of São Paulo, framed by a window that interrupts the punctuated sequence of the modules of the bookstand.

Project Facts

Architect: Studio MK27/Marcio Kogan

Co-architect: Diana Radomysler, Luciana Antunes

Team: Carlos Costa, Dimitre Gallego, Laura Guedes, Mariana Ruzante, Mariana Simas, Oswaldo Pessano

Location: São Paulo, Brazil

All images © Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

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