Brooklin Apartment Design by Küster Brizola Arquitetos
A 200-square-meter residential project in São Paulo centered on a classic checkerboard floor.
1Project Overview and Scope
Küster Brizola Arquitetos completed a 200-square-meter residential project located in the Brooklin district of São Paulo, Brazil. The apartment was designed specifically for a couple with two children, focusing on creating a functional and welcoming environment. The project reached completion in 2026, featuring photography by Manuel Sá to document the final interior design.
2Checkerboard Pattern as Identity
The core design concept revolves around the traditional checkerboard floor, which serves as the primary organizing element for the entire social area. By reinterpreting this classic pattern, the architects established a distinct visual identity for the residence. This geometric motif dictates the spatial flow and connects various zones within the open-plan living layout.
3Focus on Social Interaction
The spatial layout was intentionally crafted to prioritize gathering, hosting friends, and accommodating family life. Every design decision aims to facilitate social interaction, ensuring the home serves as a hub for building memories. The social area acts as the heart of the apartment, balancing aesthetic rigor with the practical needs of a modern family.
4Collaborative Material Sourcing
The project involved a diverse range of manufacturers and suppliers to achieve its refined look. Key contributors included Antiquário Cristiano Ross, Bout engenharia, and Portobello Shop, among others. Lighting solutions were provided by Lumini, while custom woodwork was handled by Marcenaria Fogaci, ensuring high-quality finishes throughout the 200-square-meter space in the Brooklin neighborhood.
5Architectural Leadership Roles
The design firm Küster Brizola Arquitetos led the project under the direction of lead architects João Gabriel Kuster and Arthur Brizola. Their approach emphasizes the integration of historical patterns into contemporary residential settings. By managing the project from conception to completion in 2026, they maintained a consistent vision for the apartment's interior structural identity.
6Integration of Artistic Elements
Beyond structural design, the apartment incorporates curated artistic elements from sources like Galeria Papel Assinado and Galeria Teo. These partnerships highlight the firm's commitment to blending interior architecture with decorative arts. The selection of materials from Keramika and Feira na Rosenbaum adds layers of texture that complement the bold, graphic nature of the flooring.
7Contextual Design in São Paulo
Located in Brooklin, a prominent district in São Paulo, the apartment reflects the city's evolving residential design trends. The project demonstrates how architects can utilize specific geometric patterns to define luxury living spaces within dense urban environments. This approach provides a unique character that distinguishes the residence from standard contemporary apartment layouts found in Brazil.
8Significance of Patterned Interiors
The use of the checkerboard pattern serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic motifs in modern architecture. By elevating a traditional element to a central design feature, the architects successfully balanced nostalgia with contemporary functionality. This project underscores the importance of cohesive design strategies in creating personalized, high-end residential living environments.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Brooklin Apartment Design by Küster Brizola Arquitetos