Casa ALB

Located in a quiet, tree lined neighborhood in the west zone of São Paulo, Casa ALB is the interior design project of a residence acquired by a couple with two children and a dog. Recently renovated in its architectural structure, the house became a blank canvas for the creation of interiors that reflect the family’s way of living.
The clients were seeking generous spaces, strong integration with outdoor areas and the garden, while still preserving a sense of warmth and intimacy. The interior needed to accommodate everyday family life, personal hobbies and an art collection that should be experienced as part of daily routines rather than as a purely decorative element.
The interior design process began with a complete rethinking of the house’s spatial organization and layout. From this foundation, custom joinery solutions were developed, furniture distribution was carefully revised and selected finishes were adjusted. Natural light, openings, textures, colors and materials were conceived as interconnected elements, forming a continuous spatial narrative throughout the house.
In the entrance hall, a vertical plane in white metal sheet was introduced to enclose the staircase. This element organizes the space visually while reinforcing the existing zenithal light coming from the upper level. Together with the double height ceiling, emphasized through the lighting design and the closure of one lateral plane, the entrance space gains a strong sense of verticality and spatial amplitude upon arrival.
In contrast to this openness, the living areas were designed with lower ceiling heights. In some zones, textured surfaces are applied, while in others the ceilings are clad in wood. This variation in height and materiality creates a sequence of more intimate and welcoming environments, establishing a balance between openness and enclosure within the same residence.
The wooden volume perceived from the entrance hall extends into the living area, acting as a transitional element. Through the use of brise elements, it subtly separates spaces while maintaining visual continuity and controlled permeability. Adjacent to this area, a panel allows the closure of a more introspective room where wood fully wraps the walls. This space was conceived as a lounge with a bar and piano, housing part of the family’s collection of objects and artworks.
The living and dining areas are integrated with the outdoor terrace and barbecue space, reinforcing the relationship between interior and exterior. Functional furniture pieces combine textures, colors and materials to support comfort and everyday use. The selection of Brazilian design furniture strengthens the spatial composition and reinforces the project’s authorial character.
In the functional areas, such as the kitchen and barbecue zone, custom cabinetry and countertops were designed using durable materials, while maintaining textures and colors that dialogue with the rest of the house. The intention was to create efficient yet inviting spaces, fully integrated into daily family life.
Throughout the house, generous spaces enriched by textures and carefully selected finishes receive abundant natural light and maintain constant visual connections with the outdoors. The transitions between environments, combined with the chosen materials and furniture, shape Casa ALB as a home designed for daily coexistence, where interior design acts as a spatial framework that supports family life and relationships.
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Project Team: Rogerio Shinagawa, Hanna Akemi Castro, Laura Consoni, Dante Ikeda.
Photography: Evelyn Muller
Year of Completion: 2025