The ACL Apartment was designed to hold an extensive art collection that permeates every environment, connecting them. The architectural project was conceived by Arthur Casas, with execution led by architect Cristiane Trolesi from C+AD Arquitetura e Design. The interiors were collaboratively designed by Arthur and the owner – a longtime friend of the Studio, with whom Arthur has a deep affinity, resulting in a truly four-handed project.
The biggest challenge was to simultaneously meet the demand for free walls to display artwork, shelves to house decorative objects, and to create generous environments with wide spans and an adaptable layout. The solution was to extend the apartment's social area and optimize the existing and new walls as much as possible. This resulted in a large main room that incorporates a living room, library, dining room, and entrance hall, integrating several environments into a single space.
The kitchen features a fully retractable opening, allowing for either an integrated or private configuration for the social area, providing the apartment with spaciousness, cross-ventilation, natural lighting, and functionality.
The intimate area houses the master suite and guest bedroom, which connects to the TV room. For the lighting, a combination of direct and indirect light was chosen to highlight the artwork while providing comfort and functionality for the residents.
To accommodate the collection of books and art pieces, a large library shelf was structurally reinforced, and metal screens were installed on sliding rails in the center of the apartment, accessible only through the intimate area, to store artwork not currently on display.
In addition to the art collection, the client also possesses a rich collection of furniture signed by prominent names in Brazilian design, such as the JZ tea cart by Jorge Zalszupin and a coffee table by Adriana Varejão. The collection also includes furniture designed by Arthur Casas 30 years ago and other contemporary pieces, such as the Pan Am Sofa and the Rino Dining Table.