NEVER TOO SMALL: Transforming Multifunctional Brazilian Apartment , 56sqm/603sqft

Featuring the striking use of Cumaru (Brazilian teak) Veneer throughout, DB Apartment is a light-filled, flexible space that transforms depending on its owner’s needs. By cleverly removing the original terrace doors, architects Studio Papaya created a versatile indoor-outdoor space that overlooks the city. This multi-purpose space serves as an extension of the open-plan kitchen and dining area, where a circular wooden shelf built into the ceiling is the centrepiece. A set of bi-fold wood panels that intersect with a sliding door serve to section off the new living room that doubles as a second bedroom for guests. This leads to the main bedroom where a custom platform bed provides ample additional storage, while an L-shaped wardrobe cleverly combines mirrors and wood veneer to enhance the space.

#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign

Ep 148
Project Name: DB Apartment

Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Felipe Carvalho & Athos Dantas
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Jessica Ruasol

[jennycampbell]

Fantastic apartment. The fact that the balcony was integrated into the rest of the apartment is a big plus to me. Also the living room/ guest bedroom is another innovative idea. I could quite easily live in an apartment like this. ❤

[Anne-wxsv]

Love the 2 retractable walls for the guest room. So much better than curtains. Guests get a real room that is private. But owners get to use that space everyday as a living room. Genius!

[luluscrooge]

I don't really comment much in this channel, but this is probably the best transformation I've seen. Please feature more of these rooms with a color palette that makes the space liveable and look lived in, unlike others that look like showrooms or simply for display. Everything here is so functional.

[TorontoJon]

What a stunning transformation! I love the use of mid-tone wood and was struck by the cleverness of that oval wrap-around ceiling shelf as well as the foldable panels and foldable window panes to transform the apartment as needed, particularly for guests, or to open it up to maximize the space to give it an airy feeling.

Bravo! :)

[iliapetrovic]

There’s many ideas to take from this gorgeous apartment. When we moved into our home over 20 years ago, I we removed walls and replaced them with sliding/folding floor to ceiling panels. I remember many friends not liking what I did, but we stayed true to the vision, now we have a multifunctional home that we have grown with rather than needing to move. Think carefully, property is expensive, but with careful planning it could be a worthwhile investment as rooms can change to your needs!

[mypointofview]

This is probably one of the best transformations I've seen. Beautiful, practical with a hint of luxury. I'd live here no problem

[GarzaB]

The mirrored column and oval opening in ceiling is something I hadn’t seen before. So interesting! Looks very rich and elegant.

[hypersynesthesia]

Finally a comfortable looking sofa 😅 the designers did a beautiful job, I particularly like the dropped wood ceiling that makes it feel like you’re in a ship’s cabin. I’d want more wardrobe space but this is pretty great.

[oimarcelolevi]

Eu nunca imaginei que ia encontrar aqui algum vídeo do meu país, mesmo aqui tendo tanta beleza e inovação ❤🇧🇷

[CanuckJim]

That is simply exquisite. It feels cozy and HUGE at the same time. Mind-blowing.

[pumaetigre]

Brazilian architecture is truly unique

[wisecanadianwoman]

I think this is one of my favourite plans that I've seen. Colours are just perfect and use of space well placed.

[saracuniberto]

I would have kept a second bedroom (or a storage room with a wardrobe/walk in closet that can be converted into a bedroom) instead of the living room: the sofa and TV in that beautiful terrace would have been amazing. Two tables (+ the desk) look like a waste of space to me!

[keenalou]

The colors, the folding walls...this one just made it to my top 3!!

[kierand]

People write this doesn’t qualify as a small space. The joy of this series is less about the footprint per se, and more about clever design solutions to spaces that are small *relative* to the requirements of the client. Making an infrequently used but necessary second bedroom elegantly fit into a 600ft flat? This qualifies.

[valarya]

I knew from the first shot that this was one of my favorite spaces, yet. It's SO gorgeous, warm, inviting, cozy, and RAD.

[andressaantunes]

Loving to see projects from Brazil ❣️ we have so much ideas to show. The cumarú wood is just one of our beautiful natural elements

[ianklimisch]

The oval overhead ceiling-shelf feature is so incredibly stunning adds so much dimension and intrigue!

[LitteJeanie]

This is my favourite transformation so far. It feels a bit mid-century, and it manages to be elegant, homey and functional.

[menutokitchen]

The terrace looks like dream with PLENTY of light. ❤