Header: Arq.verso
Designed for a couple of entrepreneurs seeking to transform a spacious property into a comfortable, functional and highly personalised home, this 390 m² penthouse in southern Brazil was renovated by architect Paulo Spessatto through a strategic renovation that avoided major structural interventions. Instead of going for a full-scale renovation, the project focused on targeted interventions with minimal construction and achieved, nonetheless, a sophisticated transformation.
Pushing for perfection
First introduced to the clients as a new build, they felt like it was not up to their standards, so the design team had to work on the architecture itself: adjustments to ceilings, electrical systems, paint finishes and surface materials, as well as a complete redesign of the layout, custom millwork and interior finishes. The trust established between the architect and the clients allowed for an easy design and construction process, which ended up creating a contemporary, welcoming home that maximises the generous proportions of the penthouse while balancing elegance and comfort.
The importance of a suitable layout
The heart of the project is in the layout, as it allows the clients to smoothly go through life by dividing the social from the intimate with fluidity – a plan highly supported by the large floor plan. The kitchen, dining room, lounge, wine room and pool terrace are all connected, encouraging movement and the integration of each space into the resident’s everyday life. Large sliding glass doors allow the terrace to become a natural extension of the interior whenever desired, expanding the entertaining areas while strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor living.
The lighting design
The lighting was designed as a key part of the architecture because it creates different moods and serves various purposes in the open layout, while also linking the different areas together. Recessed lighting provides comfortable, even illumination for everyday living, while indirect lighting integrated into the custom millwork introduces warmth, depth and a more intimate atmosphere.
Statement light fixtures also contribute to the identity of each room. In the dining area, custom pendants crafted from natural selenite stone by Brazilian brand Aver Metais bring refinement and delicacy. Sculptural stone pendants by designer Waldir Junior create a striking focal point in the lounge, while handcrafted ceramic pendants in the wine room establish a more intimate ambience, functioning as artistic pieces in their own right.
The importance of materials
Material selection was guided by a balance of durability, timelessness and tactile appeal. Designed for a penthouse intended to be enjoyed daily, the interiors feature highly durable, low-maintenance finishes without compromising sophistication. A small palette of neutrals is the final paintbrush in an atmosphere that feels elegant and enduring.
Among the standout features is a wall clad in rough-cut travertine brick, located in the wine room, which adds warmth, texture and character. Throughout the social areas, surfaces with varying textures subtly interact with natural light, creating changing patterns of light and shadow throughout the day. Natural stone emerges, then, as one of the defining elements of the project, extending beyond kitchen countertops to the walls themselves.
The kitchen offers another distinctive feature, where a countertop crafted from raw natural wood introduces organic warmth and authentic texture. The contrast between the wood and the surrounding finishes highlights the beauty of natural materials and honest craftsmanship.
Project information
Architecture Company: Paulo Spessatto Arquitetura
Lead Designer: Paulo Spessatto
Interior Design Company: Paulo Spessatto Arquitetura
Location: Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Date: 2026
