Project: Sara Apartment
Architecture: BLOCO Arquitetos
Team: Daniel Mangabeira, Henrique Coutinho, Matheus Seco
Construction: Thiago Meireles
Location: Brasília, Brazil
Area: 68 m2
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Júlia Tótoli
In Brasília’s Asa Norte neighborhood—known for its compact, compartmentalized two-bedroom layouts—BLOCO Arquitetos reimagined a 68 m² apartment into a light-filled, flexible space tailored to the lifestyle of its resident. With Henrique Coutinho, Matheus Seco, and Daniel Mangabeira at the helm, the design team opened up the floor plan, exposing the apartment’s structural essence while embracing its owner’s personality and daily rhythm.
Redefining the Floor Plan
The original layout created a sense of confinement, with many interior walls limiting the flow and brightness of the social areas. To break this rigidity, the architects removed most of the partitions, revealing the beams, concrete columns, and pipes that define the apartment’s structure. These once-hidden elements now contribute to the apartment’s character and spatial rhythm.
The team relocated the kitchen to a spot next to one of the windows, where it integrates seamlessly with the living room and overlooks a small vegetable garden. This new layout allowed them to convert the old service bathroom into a toilet. They also extended the living area by incorporating one of the bedrooms and the balcony, allowing natural light to enter more deeply and enhancing the sense of openness. Only the master suite retained its original dimensions, offering privacy and balance.
Materials That Tell a Story
The architects chose a white-dominated palette to highlight the textures of the exposed concrete structure. To introduce contrast and energy, they used mustard yellow for specific elements—like the lower kitchen cabinet doors and the interior of the living room shelving.
Wood adds warmth and continuity throughout the space. The team installed a floor made from reclaimed wooden tiles salvaged from a demolition project. They also used wood extensively in the cabinetry and furniture, reinforcing a sense of sustainability and craftsmanship.
In the kitchen, bathrooms, and living room sideboard, they applied 15×15 cm white tiles—a visual nod to early Brasília architecture. In the living space, this tiled volume serves not only as a visual connection between rooms but also as a practical bench or table.
Art, Comfort, and Flexibility
The resident’s collection of Brazilian art and furniture played a vital role in shaping the interior design. A standout feature is the iconic Mole armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, which now occupies a central spot in the living area. The C10 sofa by Marcus Ferreira for Carbono also found its place within the new arrangement.
Each design element contributes to how the resident uses and enjoys the space. The connected bench, for instance, functions as both seating for guests and an informal workspace. Reflecting on the transformation, the resident explains, “Opening up one of the bedrooms to the living room lets me work from home, watch TV in my armchair, and host friends who sit comfortably on the sofa and bench that tie the rooms together.”
A Home Shaped by Friendship and Vision
What makes Sara Apartment truly unique is the relationship between architect and client—longtime friends who shared a vision. The architects understood exactly how to interpret the resident’s daily needs and translate them into space, light, and form.
The result is more than a renovation. It’s a home with clear intent, where every element—from materials to layout—supports personal comfort and expression. Sara Apartment proves that even modest spaces can offer richness, flexibility, and beauty when shaped with care and collaboration.
