Minas Gerais soul and Rio de Janeiro accent: Miguel Capanema's tropical retreat traduzido por: OPENROUTER

Buying your first property is always a milestone, but when the owner is the architect himself, the space takes on the contours of a creative laboratory and a visual biography. That is exactly what happened in this apartment of 110 m² in Botafogo, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Designed by architect Miguel Capanema, head of the firm Miguel Capanema Arquitetura and part of the CASACOR Rio de Janeiro lineup, the home reflects, in a very personal way, the moment when the professional acquired his first own address — after years of living in rented places — to live alongside his two loyal four-legged companions: the golden retriever Rocco and the yorkshire terrier Florzinha.

Projeto de Miguel Capanema. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

Located on the ground floor of a charming little neocolonial building from the 1940s, the property was acquired during the pandemic, after a long search for a space that could evoke the welcoming atmosphere of a house. The high ceilings, the original architectural details and, above all, the rare jewel of a private outdoor area were decisive factors in the choice. A native of Minas Gerais and living in Rio for about 15 years, Miguel missed being close to greenery and the more open domestic routine typical of the Minas Gerais houses of his childhood.

Projeto de Miguel Capanema. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

To transform the former two-bedroom layout into the retreat of his dreams, the architect carried out surgical structural interventions. The main one took place in the social area: the kitchen, previously closed off and preceded by a powder room right at the entrance, was completely integrated with the living room. The change eliminated visual barriers, expanded the sense of spaciousness, and allowed natural light to cross the projects from end to end. Another highlight of the renovation was the demolition of the old outdoor laundry area, covered by a small roof. The service area was relocated to the interior of the apartment, allowing the former terrace to give way to a true tropical garden, with an abundance of plants and an outdoor shower that became the absolute star on the hottest days in Rio.

Projeto de Miguel Capanema. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

The concept of the project stems from this delightful fusion: an apartment with a "house feel" that combines the freshness of the beach, the coziness of the mountains, and the rhythm of urban life. This narrative comes to life through colors, textures, and natural materials. The palette is a chapter of its own. Green — the resident's favorite color — appears on the original doors and embraces the walls and ceiling of the dining room, creating a "little box" effect that dialogues directly with the outdoor garden. The ceiling of the living room, in turn, received an old rose tone that highlights the original 1940s cornice. On the floor, technocement was the ideal choice, combining quick execution, visual unity, and the practicality needed for day-to-day life with the dogs.

Projeto de Miguel Capanema. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

The decor reveals a deeply affective character, built without haste from a collection gathered throughout life, among sourced pieces, family objects, and travel memories. The desk that belonged to his grandfather shares the spotlight with the dining table, designed in partnership with his mother back when she owned a florist shop, and with the iconic Cesca chairs, a hunting find. Signature Brazilian design also makes a strong presence with the Girafa chair, byLina Bo Bardi, and the classic Mocho stools by Sergio Rodrigues.

Projeto de Miguel Capanema. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

The passion for art extends across every wall. In the social wing, posters from international exhibitions coexist with photographs from the series Bahia, Ensaio Sutil, by Ed Beltrão, and an original shot by the architect himself capturing the grandeur of the Cathedral of Brasília, by Oscar Niemeyer. In the bedroom, where a headboard made of perforated metal sheet introduces a subtle and contemporary industrial reading, black and white images by Claudia Andujar and Sebastião Salgado reinforce the more introspective and relaxing atmosphere of the resting space.

Projeto de Miguel Capanema. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

Connected to the living room, the kitchen was designed to be the heart of the home. With cabinetry in soft tones and decorated with collectible plates and photographs by Tiago Morena, the project honors the architect's roots. As a good Minas Gerais native, Miguel believes that the kitchen is the soul of the home, the place where conversations begin, gatherings linger, and life gains warmth.

traduzido por: OPENROUTER