Explore Brazil’s Timeless Beauty: Inside an Apartment That Celebrates Nostalgia and Aging Gracefully

In the heart of Brasília, Brazil, a compact 1,022-square-foot living space has been expertly redesigned to embody both practicality and a deep sense of nostalgia. The creative minds at Hersen Mendes Arquitetura have transformed the Apartamento Relicário—translated as the “Reliquary Apartment”—into more than just a refurbished dwelling. This apartment is a tribute to familial bonds, cherished memories, and the graceful journey of aging amidst beloved relics from a well-lived life.

The renovation initiative began when a woman enlisted architects Anastácia Hersen and Matheus Mendes to revamp her aging mother’s apartment, which is conveniently situated one floor below her own residence. The objective extended beyond merely updating the interiors; the vision was to forge a space that resonated as an emotional continuum of the family’s main living area. This new environment was intended to be inviting and accessible, fostering easy interaction across three generations.

Instead of erasing historical layers, the design approach was to embrace and highlight them. Aptly named Relicário, meaning a vessel for sacred relics, the apartment is an anthology of the occupant’s accumulated mementos—ranging from mugs and travel memorabilia to photographs and various personal artifacts. These items are integrated into the apartment’s design not as mere decoration but as vital cultural touchstones of a life fully embraced.

Central to the apartment’s redesign was the transformation of the living area. Structural adjustments were made to enhance openness and flow, thereby creating an inviting space conducive to family gatherings. The kitchen, previously secluded and purely functional, now seamlessly merges with the living and dining areas, promoting an atmosphere where cooking and conversation coexist, lending a spacious and engaging vibe to the home.

Designing with seniors in mind demands a compassionate approach, and accessibility was addressed with thoughtful subtlety. The architects incorporated several features to foster independence in a way that feels natural rather than medical. Broadened pathways facilitate easier movement, and the use of contrasting hues—especially between the kitchen and the living spaces—helps with visual navigation.

Attention was also given to the interplay of lighting and materials, crucial for cultivating a secure and comfortable environment. Gentle, indirect lighting minimizes harsh shadows and glare, while the use of tactile materials like wood and textiles in soothing natural colors enhances warmth and comfort. The overall design strives to be intuitive and comforting, aligning seamlessly with the elderly resident’s daily routines.

Towards the end of the corridor lies a cozy, sunlit home studio that also serves as a sewing area, reflecting one of the resident’s lifelong passions. Equipped with a sizable mirror and a comfortable working area, the studio is designed to be both functional and tranquil, using soft pinks and blues to create a peaceful retreat.

In the bedroom, innovative design subtly enhances safety; the custom bed frame includes integrated grab bars stylishly disguised as part of the furniture’s design. The bathroom similarly combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, embedding support features within the architectural elements to make them appear deliberate and harmonious, rather than overtly utilitarian.