Brazilian firm Saito Arquitetos has reorganised an apartment set in São Paulo's historic Conjunto Nacional building around a large wooden box.
Saito Arquitetos was enlisted to transform a couple's flat within Conjunto Nacional, a 25-storey mixed-use building completed in 1956 by architect David Libeskind. The owners chose the 250-square-metre unit due to the modernist building's prominent location on the city's major thoroughfare, Paulista Avenue.

Prior to the project, the apartment was separated into a series of differently sized and rather split up rooms. The owners wanted the local firm to transform it into a more open space, better suited to their hobbies and lifestyle. Now, the home features more neatly defined public and private areas.
Among Saito Arquitetos' main interventions to Apartamento Apcine was the insertion of a large wooden volume to provide ample storage. It also hosts bathrooms and a laundry room inside.
Wrapping the volume is a galley-like kitchen that connects to a living area, and helps provide cross-ventilation. A dining area is situated between these two zones and features a large table and lights by Louis Poulsen.

The owners are also keen readers, so the firm added a built-in bookcase for their large book collection. It spans the dining room and living room, with slender metal sheets forming shelves.

A sitting area, divided by a concrete wall, is flooded with natural light from large, sliding glass doors.
Saito Arquitetos worked to restore exis...