Open room design in the modern renovated Urca penthouse apartment
The Urca penthouse apartment, renovated in 2011, is characterized by an open room design and a bright, modernist interior. It is located in a five-story building in one of the most spectacular cities in the world – Rio de Janeiro. Urca Penthouse is in a prime location on the Urca peninsula at the western entrance to Baia de Guanabara.
The concrete residential building was one of several lower residential buildings erected in the 1960s along the quiet seafront. When a London property investor bought it, the duplex was in terrible shape, but with tremendous potential for transformation. The renowned Brazilian architect Arthur Casas was then commissioned with the renovation project.
Open room design with a breathtaking panorama
The renovation project was generally determined by two central ideas: to bring more air and light into the house and to benefit as much as possible from the prospects and the location. For this, the floor plan was changed and the living space was expanded. The triumphant integration of space, light and linear structure cost the investor about $ 1.8 million.
Now the apartment has 7180 square meters of living space on three floors and a terrace, connected by modern stairs.
Outside areas that can be walked on bring more air and light into the house
The rooms on the south side of the apartment offer a fascinating view over the famous Sugar Loaf. The front is oriented to the west and looks towards the Corcovado mountain with the 38 meter high statue of Christ – the symbol of the city. In the north you can enjoy the view of the islands in Guanabara Bay.
White walls and floors made of limestone reflect the daylight and have a cooling effect. The bathrooms are also separated from the bedrooms by glass walls so that the residents can also enjoy the landscape from there.
Architecture: Studio Arthur Casas
Pictures by: Fernando Guerra I FG + SG
Spectacular views of Rio de Janeiro from every room in the Urca apartment
The stairs are naturally lit through a cut-out in the ceiling
Urban oasis of calm
Furnished terrace with a fantastic panorama
Modernist interior
Open room design, dominated by clear, straight lines
Harmony in white
