Alameda Jau Apartment
The intervention in this apartment located in the Anchieta building, built in 1941 and designed according to the precepts of modern architecture, is born of a triple movement: first, the valorization of the original characteristics of the building, revealing, for example, its structure independent of the facade, the subtle encounters between the beams and masonry and the generous ceiling height of 3.30 m; second, the “restoration” of dilapidated elements, as a transition strip between the Avenue and the interior of the apartments, destroyed in the 70s with the dismantling of its gardens for the construction of the road complex that connects Avenida Paulista and Dr. Arnold; and third, the updating of the internal environments in order to adapt to the current needs of the residents, promoting the integration of common areas and the reorganization of the intimate areas.
With this in mind, the root of the intervention is based on the inversion of the logic of circulation and access to the bedrooms: instead of an internal corridor, without lighting and uninteresting, we created a new elevated gallery next to the windows, making the coming and going in the apartment a walk with a view and protecting the bedrooms from the noise and constant lighting of the Avenue. The new gallery thus serves as a welcoming and transition area, for absorption and conviviality, a gazebo and a balcony.
In addition, with the repositioning of the access corridor to the bedrooms, it was possible to create a second suite and also expand the living room area, promote a greater connection with the kitchen area and also allow the creation of a new toilet.
From a material point of view, we opted for the use of light colors to enhance natural lighting and low-maintenance and long-lasting materials, such as the cement floor in the kitchen and circulation areas and the rubber coating in the washbasin, mentioning to the floors of the subway platforms that run under the building.