Interior design – Bahia-based NJ+ Studio has created the fluid and minimalist spaces of Casa Dende Duratex, a 155 sqm temporary apartment at the Jockey Club of São Paulo, Brazil. The contemporary architecture, and thriving nature of the Brazilian state of Bahia, inspired the studio founder Nildo José to conceive a house of clean architecture, abundant in straight lines and punctual curves.

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“Ecompassing a living room, a kitchen and dining room, a courtyard with a tree in the middle and a master suite, the house escapes from ready-made formulas and the stereotype of coloured Bahia”. Says Nildo José. “Every detail reflects a special bond with his homeland in a sober way, rich in art, “bossa” and poetry”.

The architect teamed up with Brazilian surface manufacturer Duratex which is specialized in wood panels, laminate floors, vinyl flooring and skirting boards, to create a both elegant and rustic style with a sober colored palette ranging from dark wood and burnt cement.

The façade features a volumetric play with light and shadows. Guests are welcomed by a marble slab with rock salt which is lit from underneath by 15m long LED strips “to recall Bahian mysticism in a creative and subtle way.”

Here, the walls and ceiling connect in a joint concave shape, stemming from the stone floor, which “creates an optical illusion mixing the vertical plane with the horizontal”.

Inside, natural stone flooring forms the visual alongside large window panes that almost brings the verdant garden into the apartment, just link in Bahia’s contemporary architecture. Likewise, a latticed skylight opening in the ceiling of the living room filters the light through. 

At the centre of the open space, a latticed architectural element divides the apartment in day and night zones. The white structure opens on both sides unveiling a kitchen overlooking to the dining area and living room on a side, and nesting a minimal bathroom facing the bedroom on the other side.

In the living room, a large bookshelf designed by NJ+ Studio and Florense, takes up one of the walls exhibiting bottles of cachaça containing Bahia’s sand. Works by local designers as well as handicraft pieces like “former vows” from Galeria Estação, complete the contemplative prose of the apartment.

In the suite, another highlight of the project is the launch of Deca’s white bathroom faucets and fixtures, made especially for the space. The refined set of white linen sheet and duvet is signed by Casa Moysés.

“The house inspires a dreamlike nature through the abundance of pure textures, where the composition and combination of distinct elements impart a harmonious essence that transcends design and forms a project rich in samba.” Add at NJ+ Studio.

Casa Dende Duratex was developed as part of CASACOR 2019, the ongoing programme of architecture and design exhibitions across Brazil, Latin America and beyond.

All images by Marco Antonio and Denilson Machado – Courtesy of NJ+ Studio.