In São Paulo, Brazil, architect David Bastos has transformed a neglected triplex penthouse into a striking contemporary home for a young couple and their growing family. Located in a landmark neoclassical building near Hotel Unique in the Jardim Paulista neighborhood, the residence underwent a complete reconstruction that pushed the limits of architecture and engineering.
Designed across three levels, the home combines open social spaces, private family areas, custom craftsmanship, and a collection of iconic Brazilian furniture. Among its most memorable features is an enormous bookshelf that stretches across the living and dining spaces, turning the apartment’s windows into framed views of the city beyond.
A Living Room Defined by Books, Light, and Views
The heart of the apartment is a dramatic double-height living room where architecture, furniture, and art come together. One entire wall is occupied by an expansive custom wood bookshelf that extends from the living room into the dining area.
What makes the installation particularly distinctive is the way it interacts with the building’s original windows. Instead of competing with the views, the shelving frames each opening like a collection of oversized artworks, drawing attention to the changing cityscape outside.
The dining room can be separated using a folding wood partition, allowing the spaces to shift between intimate family use and larger gatherings. A second wall lined with shelving sits behind the main seating area, providing additional display space for books, artwork, and personal collections.
As evening arrives, concealed LED lighting integrated into the millwork creates a soft glow that highlights the shelves and enhances the atmosphere of the room.
The space is furnished with a blend of international luxury brands and Brazilian modernist classics, including pieces by Jorge Zalszupin and Joaquim Tenreiro alongside furnishings from Minotti, Poliform, and Flexform.
An Outdoor Entertaining Space Above the City
Extending from the living room is an outdoor deck designed for relaxation and entertaining. The space includes a lounge area, outdoor dining setting, and a compact swimming pool that offers relief during São Paulo’s warmer months.
With unobstructed views stretching across the city skyline, the terrace becomes especially impressive after sunset when the lights of the city begin to sparkle below.
Connected directly to the pool deck is a secondary living space that functions as an entertainment pavilion. Accessible from both indoors and outdoors, it includes a comfortable sitting area, a suspended fireplace, a concealed television, and a bar zone complete with a barbecue and cooktop.
A Dining Room Celebrating Brazilian Design
The dining room showcases some of Brazil’s most respected design talent. At its center sits a large wooden dining table accompanied by chairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues.
Roman Travertine marble flooring adds elegance and continuity to the social level, while a sculptural pendant light from Italian brand Henge introduces a dramatic focal point overhead. Additional details, including a brass sideboard and vintage mirror, enrich the room’s layered composition.
A Kitchen Designed for Efficiency and Entertaining
The home’s elongated kitchen was planned as a highly functional workspace with extensive cabinetry by Ornare and durable Silestone surfaces.
One of its most practical features is a pass-through opening that connects the kitchen to the pantry and later to the dining room. This solution simplifies everyday family use while also improving service flow during larger social events.
The linear layout maximizes storage and work surfaces without compromising the refined appearance found throughout the residence.
The Corten Steel Staircase That Becomes a Sculpture
Connecting all three levels is one of the apartment’s most striking architectural features: a monumental spiral staircase crafted from Corten steel.
Created to solve a challenging 7.8-meter height difference between floors, the staircase occupies minimal floor space while becoming a dramatic focal point within the interior.
Its sculptural form introduces texture, movement, and visual impact, transforming a functional element into a work of art.
A Quiet Workspace Above the Home
At the top level, a private office overlooks the city and serves as a calm workspace away from the activity of the social areas.
The room features a floating shelf designed for displaying artwork, a grey feature wall, and warm wood furnishings that contribute to its sophisticated atmosphere. Positioned beside an exclusive powder room and rooftop sundeck, the office benefits from panoramic views across the tree-lined neighborhoods of Jardins América and Europa.
A Refined Primary Suite with Extensive Storage
The primary suite continues the apartment’s focus on comfort and craftsmanship. Behind the bed, a custom headboard incorporates concealed lighting, while additional hidden illumination highlights the curtain details.
Opposite the bed, a long wood console provides generous storage beneath the television while reinforcing the room’s clean and streamlined appearance.
Adjacent to the bedroom are expansive his-and-hers dressing rooms. Redesigned during the renovation, the walk-in closets offer substantial storage for clothing, footwear, and accessories through custom cabinetry and thoughtful organization.
Marble Bathrooms with Distinct Personalities
Throughout the apartment, each bathroom was designed with its own unique character.
One bathroom features a glass-enclosed shower positioned beside a window, paired with a dark wood vanity and oversized mirror that enhance the feeling of openness.
Another introduces a built-in stone sink, walk-in shower with integrated bench and niche, and a freestanding bathtub placed beside the window. Here, dramatic Verde Guatemala marble wraps the walls and vanity, creating a bold visual statement.
Even the compact powder room leaves a lasting impression. Measuring only four square meters, it combines Verde Guatemala marble, Roman Travertine flooring, a carved stone sink, indirect lighting, and a brass-framed mirror to create a memorable experience.
Through structural innovation, custom craftsmanship, premium materials, and an exceptional collection of furniture and art, David Bastos created a home that feels both grand and welcoming.
From the bookshelf-lined living room and sculptural staircase to the marble-clad interiors and panoramic outdoor spaces, every level contributes to a residence designed to celebrate contemporary Brazilian luxury while making the most of its remarkable São Paulo location.