5,000 CDs Inspire Stunning São Paulo Apartment Design: See Inside!

While some residences are crafted to dazzle, others serve as a reflection of their inhabitants. Apartment NUBE, a creation of Nati Minas & Studio alongside Flipê Arquitetura, excels in both aspects as it seemingly hovers like a cloud above the lush Jardim Europa area in São Paulo, Brazil. This city sanctuary achieves a perfect balance between tranquility and theatricality, boasting a double-height living area, retractable glass walls, and a remarkable assortment of over 5,000 CDs owned by the homeowner.

The interior of this 4,521-square-foot living space makes it immediately apparent that it was not conceived with fleeting trends in mind. Rather, it was meticulously crafted to resonate with the lifestyle of its occupants. The architects delved into the daily routines of the residents, crafting a floor plan that supports everything from quiet dinners to large family events. The apartment not only includes vast spaces suitable for hosting, but also more personal areas designated for the couple such as a cozy kitchen, a bar, wine cellar, home theater, and an office.

Architect Nati Minas shares, “The process of infusing a resident’s or brand’s essence into architecture is what captivates me the most. Each project is essentially a portrait, crafted from our perspective, of the family or brand set to inhabit the area. The most crucial tools in our arsenal are listening, understanding, and innovating.”

The vast CD collection is cleverly integrated into the apartment’s design rather than being stowed away or scattered. Shelves skirting the structural boundaries of the apartment are positioned on elevated walkways, inviting exploration of the musical collection. These wood-framed repetitive structures draw the gaze upward to the double-height living area, bathed in natural light from the surrounding windows.

A striking staircase with a light, textured wood surface and rustic granite steps spirals up to connect the two levels, adding a sculptural element that anchors the entire space.

The choice of materials in Apartment NUBE emphasizes texture that feels both tactile and stabilizing. Hefty granite blocks are used variously: as an entrance wall feature with a concealed door, in the sculptural staircase, across the kitchen work surfaces, and forming the bar island. These rugged elements beautifully counterpose the smooth wooden surfaces that cover the floors and ceilings, infusing the communal spaces with warmth.

The predominantly neutral color scheme is punctuated with deliberate splashes of color. This includes green plants nestled under the stairs on custom-carved stone bases, and standalone furniture pieces that delineate different areas without disrupting the flow of the apartment. This mix achieves a calm yet engaging atmosphere.

Adjacent to the living room, there’s a snug bar area with an adjoining enclosed wine cellar, resembling a lounge where the couple can relax with a drink, either alone or with friends gathered around a low table. This area provides a sense of privacy while remaining conveniently close to the kitchen for easy access to snacks.