Historic Apartment Revived With Suave Modern Update

Located in one of the first steel buildings in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, this apartment recently underwent a renovation that resulted in a big rearranging that retained its exposed-iron beams, existing pipes, and concrete detailing that have now been given pride of place in the 600-square-meter (nearly 2,000 square feet) flat. Spearheaded by local firm Piratininga Arquitetos, the redesign centers on a home office that acts as the unit's central hub. All the space's other elements—including a library, living room, dining room, kitchen, and two indoor gardens surround it—are only partially partitioned. The one exception (for good reason) is the bathroom, which occupies its own private, cubicle-like area. The living area doubles as a gallery to exhibit the owner's art collection. Steel shelves run along the corridor, displaying objects and books. Rows of windows along the periphery flush the space in natural light and the two glass-walled indoor gardens with potted plants add to the pad's sculptural quality.

∙ Piratininga Arquitetos highlights historical features in apartment renovation
[Designboom]