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How lovely is this little house with an outdoor patio? We are so thrilled to assist the owner with this renovation project! To suit the owner’s request, we managed to transform a quite small living room into a more spacious living and dining area. In the meantime, the current kitchenette, located in a very dark corner, will become a proper kitchen. It will have plenty of sunlight and more space for appliances and storage, which is great!

The laundry and the bathroom will now be in the same room. Therefore, we proposed a separate powder room with a wall-hung toilet and a hand basin. Behind the toilet, a feature wall with a niche and LED light will bring some design flair to the enclosure. Moreover, we added a covered patio with access to the bedroom, integrated with the existing porch. The roof above the patio will follow the same pitch as the garage, located on the opposite side of the house. Regarding the garage, we created a storage room at the back, taking advantage of existing walls.

Do you also want to renovate your lovely little house? It doesn’t matter the size of your project. Big or small, give us a call!

The main goal of this renovation project was to create more privacy for the members of a growing family. Initially, they wanted to isolate the existing master bedroom from the rest of the house, adding to it a separate living area. This bedroom would then be occupied by the owner’s daughter and her partner.

So the first step was to make room for a second master bedroom, for the parents. Since the family didn’t use the office very often, we opened it to an adjoining bedroom, creating a master suite with a walk-in robe. We then transformed the laundry into an ensuite, taking advantage of the existing plumbing.

The owners wanted a European-style laundry, so we adapted one of the cupboards along the corridor to place the trough. We also made room for a stackable washing machine and dryer, as well as a bigger cupboard beside it. Since we had to bring pipes to the new laundry, we installed a small kitchenette on the other side of the wall. The kitchenette faces the media room, having a frigobar, a microwave, and a sink.

The media room now works as a living area for the owner’s daughter and her partner. It has a private access to the outdoors, allowing for the young couple’s own routine. However, the room is still connected to the rest of the house through an internal door.

Last, but not least, the owners complained about the corridor that leads to the bedrooms being too dark. Aiming to bring more light to this part of the house, we removed an existing wall at the entry hall. We proposed a feature screen instead, made of timber battens from floor to ceiling.

Do you also want more privacy for your growing family? Or maybe adapt your house to new circumstances? Get in touch for a quote!

The idea for this project was to renovate an existing shop, combining a French bistro and an Italian bakery. The owner wanted a place where people could enjoy a good coffee while choosing from a selection of pastries. Or, to have a sip of wine while eating a slice of a Napoletan pizza.

The building comprised a big open area with a kitchen at the back. Our proposal was to transform the existing door between the saloon and the kitchen into an arched window. Therefore, the customers could watch the production line, which would entice them to taste the freshly baked treats.

Right in front of the entry door, we placed the main counter, which showcases the house’s specialties. Among the sweet treats, there are croissants, eclairs, muffins, and cakes. The coffee machine and the appliances to prepare juices and smoothies are on the left side, while the point-of-sale is to the right.

In the sitting area, we suggested some tables scattered around and also booths for a more intimate atmosphere. Regarding the finishes and materials, we chose timber panels and the classic bistro furniture, evoking reminiscences from Paris. Aiming to bring a bit from Italy, and add a touch of coziness, we added distressed brick and mustard walls. For the floor, natural stone in a light sand colour.

Are you after plans for your new cafe or restaurant? Be it a French bistro or an Italian bakery, we can assist you with the design!

In this extension project for a university campus, the task was to design a 6-storey building to lodge a few different courses. Among them, there were vocational educational and training courses as diverse as lutherie, gas & petroleum, and IT. Or real estate business, institutional communication, and quality management. Each one with its own specificities and requirements in terms of space.

The building was part of a complex of existing buildings and its footage would replace a covered patio and part of the parking lot. Regarding the project briefing, there were chemistry and audiovisual laboratories, including a semi-anechoic chamber. In this chamber, future luthiers would be able to test the musical instruments they design and produce during the course.

The extension project also included a new library for the university campus, as well as an auditorium and meeting rooms. Finally, the building comprised computer laboratories and conventional classrooms of various sizes, besides amenities and storage rooms.

The floors are interconnected by lifts, staircases, and a ramp. The ramp runs within a void, which spans through all 6 levels, visually integrating the internal space. For the facade, contemporary lines and geometric shapes. The chosen finish was ceramic tiles in white and blue, as per the surrounding buildings and the institutional standards.

Wide glass panels strategically positioned help bring light to the interior. The widest panel, located at a northwest facade, has a photovoltaic film that generates electricity. We also suggest other sustainable features, such as green roofs over the hallways that connect this building to the adjacent ones.

For other projects where we had the opportunity to propose sustainable solutions, please click here and here.

Are you also after sustainable solutions for your home or office? Please get in touch!

One more snap of the conceptual project we did for a design competition in a conservation area in Fortaleza, Brazil. In this building for a multipurpose cultural centre, we also used eucalyptus poles as the structure system (click here to see the other conceptual project we designed for this same design competition).

However, this time we adopted a circular plan, which goes around an internal patio. The rounded shape, plus the thatched roof, reminds an “oca”, the vernacular architecture of the local indigenous peoples. At the centre, the uncovered patio helps to cool off the internal temperature, reducing the need for air conditioning. In order to increase the passive cooling effect, we proposed a raked ceiling with higher windows facing the internal patio. Therefore, the hot air may escape upwards.

The facade has a combination of certified wood and masonry rustically rendered, evoking traditional constructive techniques. Both materials – timber and brick – provide good insulation, which is desirable in a tropical climate. On the floor, we suggested the use of demolition timber planks, promoting the use of recycled materials.

The building contains a foyer that serves as an art gallery and two exhibition rooms for audiovisual presentations. At the back, there is a small library and a cafeteria, so the users can read a book while enjoying a coffee. Administrative areas and amenities are also part of the building, which is accessed either by ramps or a stairway.

Would you like to know more about passive cooling and bioarchitecture? Are you after eco-friendly ideas for your new project?

Let’s have a chat!

Back in 2001, we were engaged to design a house extension on a sloped lot. With minimal interference on the existing structure, we were able to create three ensuites and plenty of living areas. This was possible by simply knocking out a few walls in order to create doorways and open up the space.

Additionally, we proposed an extension towards the back of the lot. This addition allowed for a new ensuite and a balcony for the master bedroom. The biggest change, though, was building a staircase to connect the main floor with the undercroft. Previously unused, this level now lodges an entertainment room and space for a home office.

At the back of the lot, we proposed a 3-car garage next to the maid’s room. Both are separated from the house by a backyard. To assist with the everyday hop-in and off, a porte cochere sits beside the house, accessed by a side door.

Regarding the facade, we kept the house style, with a high-pitched roof and a gable end over the front door. To reinforce the classic look, we added white mouldings around the windows, contrasting with a darker colour on the walls.

PS. A maid’s room was something common in Brazil until the late 2000s. Not only in upper-class houses but also in middle-class apartments, which is quite curious. Even though a live-in maid was already rare in those days, many families would still have it as a requirement. Nowadays, the idea of having a maid’s room practically disappeared from the project briefing. On the other hand, other spaces have been gaining popularity, such as mudrooms and home offices.

Are you thinking of renovating your house? Get in touch, and we will be more than happy to assist you with plans.

Another one of our favourites: transforming a 3-bedroom house into a 4-bedroom one. From a small house with only one bathroom, the owners would now have a master suite. Through a walk-in robe, they gain access to their ensuite, where a curved wall forms the perfect scenario for the walk-in shower.

Attending to their request, an existing patio made room for the new kitchen, with opens to a balcony facing the mountain views. Aiming to assist with storage and keep the kitchen nice and tidy, we proposed a walk-in pantry. It has two doorways, to both sides of the counter, making it easier to get the necessary ingredients when cooking.

Walk-in pantries and butler’s pantries are a must nowadays, some of them with auxiliary sinks and dishwashers. In this case, we didn’t have too much space, so it only lodges the fridge and small appliances. For other projects where we suggested a walk-in pantry, you may click here and here.

Taking advantage of the sloping lot, we proposed a new garage on the undercroft, reducing the existing one to create two new bedrooms. One of them would be a spare room, doubling as a home office. At the same time, we joined two existing bedrooms to form the master suite.

In the front yard, we proposed a firepit area with access both to the kitchen and to the master suite. The wide sliding doors help bring the outdoors inside the house, creating a perfect home for a growing family.

Did you like our concept for this house renovation? Would you like to have your dream project designed by us? Let’s have a chat!

No job is too small when we love what we do! Be it designing a whole new house or a custom-made screen like in this project. In this example, the clients had recently added a third floor to their house, an extension designed by others. In order to provide independent access to the new floor – which has a self-contained unit – a stairway was built to the side of the house.

Aiming to improve the look of the side facade, the clients wanted to install privacy screens. Therefore, they hired us to explore a few ideas. The goal was to visually reduce the impact of the long stairway, taking advantage of the existing columns to support the screens. Their initial idea was to have two types of screens: vertical slats and a perforated decorative pattern. So the first step was to explore a few different combinations regarding size and shapes.

After they decided on the screen pattern (Reptilia, from Decorative Screens Direct), we did a few colour simulations. Since the screens are in aluminium, we worked based on the available Dulux Powdercoating colour chart. Among the options we suggested, were either Paperback – matching the window frames – or Woodland Grey – contrasting with the white walls.

Which one do you prefer? And which one do you think they went for?

Are you also thinking of installing privacy screens in your house? Are you finding it difficult to choose either the right model or colour? Let’s have a chat!

We’re in love with the warmness of this modern mid-century bedroom, where pieces of contemporary furniture meet others inspired by the 60s. And all tied together by earthy tones! In this renovation project, the owner asked for a new master bedroom on the 2nd floor. Then, he wanted to transform the existing one into a studio and guest room. Above all, though, he was a big fan of the modern mid-century look and would like this style for his master bedroom.

The proposed extension comprised a generous master bedroom with a walk-in robe and an ensuite. For the bedroom, we proposed a hybrid vinyl floor matching the timber of the existing staircase. Behind the bed, an accent wall in grey contrasts with the other walls in white.

Beside the chest of drawers, a comfortable armchair provides the perfect environment for reading a book, one of the owner’s favourite hobbies. Book shelves are in every corner, to lodge the owner’s huge collection. The modernist vibe continues through the artwork, the tapestry, and the lighting features, making this bedroom comfy & cozy.

Did you also enjoy the warm colours of this bedroom? Are you after some inspiration for your home renovation? We would love to help you! Get in touch today and book your consultation.

A few years ago we were engaged to work on a corporate project for a multinational company: their new educational facilities in Curitiba, Brazil. This company is from Germany, but its South American headquarters are located in Curitiba. The production site spreads around 20,000 sqm of built area, where they manufacture machines for the textile industry. Besides Germany and Brazil, they have units in China, India, Mexico, and the USA, among other countries.

The corporate project for this multinational company involved the renovation of an existing ground-floor building. The educational facilities would have a training room and a videoconference room, as well as toilets and a cafeteria. As per the clients’ request. we used state-of-the-art features. As an example, we specified double glass partitions with blinds operated by remote control for the training room.

Aiming to allow multiple uses of the space, we chose a flexible range of office desks. This furniture allowed for different configurations, such as meeting rooms, classrooms, or team groups. For the coffee bar, we proposed a small kitchenette and tall tables with stools, aiming to create engagement among the attendees. Regarding finishes and materials, we opted for light oak partitions, suggesting neutral greys for both the carpet and floor tiles. For the office chairs, we chose tan leather, the same finish as the stools in the cafeteria.

This was not the only corporate project designed by us. At Instant Design we have plenty of experience in designing commercial spaces, as you may see here or here.

Are you thinking about uplifting your office? Or maybe setting up a new business and in need of some ideas? Let’s have a chat!