Overlooking the forest, 1960s duplex gains a pool table in the living room traduzido por: OPENROUTER

Embraced by the dense forest and framed by the lush vegetation of Tijuca (in Rio de Janeiro), this penthouse duplex of 340 m² translates the essence of contemporary living well: the search to slow down the urban pace without giving up practicality and the connection with the city. Located just a few minutes from the Uruguai subway station, the property underwent a complete transformation led by architect Rafael Ramos (from the CASACOR Rio de Janeiro cast) to become the new home of statistician Rafael Sach, journalist Pamela Lang and the couple's daughter, Sabrina.

Com vista para a mata, dúplex dos anos 1960 ganha mesa de bilhar na sala. Projeto de Rafael Ramos. (Produção visual: Andrea Falchi | Foto: Luiza Schreier/CASACOR)

The story of the project began to take shape when the residents came to the office through a recommendation from friends who had renovated with the architect during the pandemic. Acquired shortly before the couple's long trip to China, the penthouse offered the generous attributes of 1960s buildings — spacious areas, high ceilings and a stunning view —, but had accumulated serious construction pathologies, such as leaks, cracks, fissures and completely compromised window frames. The period the family spent abroad became the perfect opportunity for the development of the executive project, allowing the structural and interior interventions and the signature design of the woodwork to be detailed meticulously.

Com vista para a mata, dúplex dos anos 1960 ganha mesa de bilhar na sala. Projeto de Rafael Ramos. (Produção visual: Andrea Falchi | Foto: Luiza Schreier/CASACOR)

The starting point for the new interior architecture was the complete spatial reorganization, prioritizing functionality, natural lighting and the integration between the living projects. On the lower floor, the kitchen was opened to the living room, one of the former bedrooms gave way to the cozy TV room and the social bathroom was redistributed to more comfortably serve the social area and the master suite.

Com vista para a mata, dúplex dos anos 1960 ganha mesa de bilhar na sala. Projeto de Rafael Ramos. (Produção visual: Andrea Falchi | Foto: Luiza Schreier/CASACOR)

With the new zoning, the first level now houses the private wing — comprising the couple's suite, the daughter's room and a guest bedroom — as well as the integrated living, dining and TV areas. The upper floor concentrates the family's leisure experience: it gained a new gourmet kitchen perfectly integrated with the outdoor area, which underwent a complex structural requalification to restore the old pool and incorporate an ofuro, powder room and outdoor living projects.

Com vista para a mata, dúplex dos anos 1960 ganha mesa de bilhar na sala. Projeto de Rafael Ramos. (Produção visual: Andrea Falchi | Foto: Luiza Schreier/CASACOR)

The greatest technical challenge of the renovation was reformulating the vertical circulation between the floors. The old spiral staircase, uncomfortable and outdated, was demolished after a structural report and reinforcement with new metal beams. In its place, the architect designed a new structure that goes beyond the simple function of connecting the floors: the piece was conceived as a multifunctional furniture item that integrates a bench, hat rack, and shoe rack on the entrance floor, also accommodating prints brought from China by the residents.

Com vista para a mata, dúplex dos anos 1960 ganha mesa de bilhar na sala. Projeto de Rafael Ramos. (Produção visual: Andrea Falchi | Foto: Luiza Schreier/CASACOR)

The atmosphere of a mountain house right in the middle of Rio de Janeiro is reinforced by a welcoming and contemporary aesthetic. The neutral and luminous chromatic base highlights the white walls and the original plank flooring, which was fully restored, lightened, and finished with a matte coating. Warm, earthy touches emerge in the custom cabinetry of light freijó linheiro wood, combined with natural fabrics, rugs, and elements in shades of terracotta, sand, faded green, off-white, and straw. Strategic black accents ensure contrast and elegance.

Com vista para a mata, dúplex dos anos 1960 ganha mesa de bilhar na sala. Projeto de Rafael Ramos. (Produção visual: Andrea Falchi | Foto: Luiza Schreier/CASACOR)

Designed to fully experience the home, the living room layout embraces multiple uses. The island sofa is positioned facing the treetops, allowing arrangement flexibility according to the occasion. In the dining room, the main table hides a special feature: it transforms into a pool table, the family's favorite hobby.

Com vista para a mata, dúplex dos anos 1960 ganha mesa de bilhar na sala. Projeto de Rafael Ramos. (Produção visual: Andrea Falchi | Foto: Luiza Schreier/CASACOR)

Between the staircase and the main window, a stone bar counter holds drinks with a suspended cabinet and mini wine cellar. In the integrated kitchen, the island with cooktop was positioned facing the dining room and the forest view, also featuring a pantry for daily meals, a coffee nook, and a transparent glass cabinet for dishware collected from travels.

Com vista para a mata, dúplex dos anos 1960 ganha mesa de bilhar na sala. Projeto de Rafael Ramos. (Produção visual: Andrea Falchi | Foto: Luiza Schreier/CASACOR)

The highlight of the décor is a 1958 record player, brought from Germany by the resident's grandfather and restored in Minas Gerais, combining the original wood with a modern Bluetooth audio system. The collection also includes works of art, such as a tapestry bought in Oaxaca, Mexico, travel canvases, and a painting by the artist Edu Mattos, supplied by Casa Ocre, which reigns in the TV room.

traduzido por: OPENROUTER