Apartment ideas / Ourânia by Studio MK27

Placed on the edge of the bohemian neighborhood of Vila Madalena, Ourânia contains just eight apartments within a relatively compact, nine-story building, that offers contemporary living wrapped in warm, textured minimalist architecture.

Architects: Studio MK27
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Photography: Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

Its modular structure, an orthogonal grid of concrete pillars and beams, results in completely flexible plans, where each apartment owner could define its layout. The 20 columns are rhythmically positioned in the perimeter of the 48 x 11m plan and, together with a central core that shelters stairs and elevators, structures the building – leaving generous spans to be arranged as desired.

Ourânia’s site offers long views of a nearby green valley, the cityscape, and local sunsets. The architects made the most of this, by opening up large windows and placing terraces to ensure residents can take in the striking context – both urban and natural – right from their living room.

All internal spaces face one of the building’s four façades, allowing light and air to permeate throughout, while circulation space and services are placed in the center of the floorplan.

Inside, Kogan’s team employed the studio’s signature approach, blending contemporary design with warm, natural materials, rich textures, and elements inspired by Brazilian modernism and Japanese architecture. ’It embraces rationality, proportion, and simplicity,’ the architects add. ‘Sunlight plays an important role. Wooden tiles warm up the lobby, gym, and main corridors, while, in the spa, golden tiles embrace the pool and sauna.’

Meanwhile, slatted panels, pergolas, and blinds enhance this play between transparency and opaqueness, light and shadow.