Contemporary Apartment Inspired by Nature And Traditional Islamic Architecture

Today we’re checking out a really beautiful apartment which is located in Real Parque, in Brazil. Its interior design stands out for a few interesting reasons. The project was done by studio flipê arquitetura and was completed in 2019. The first thing you’ll notice is the presence of a series of sliding walls which are dividing various sections of the apartment. The concept itself is interesting because it adds more flexibility and versatility to the design and allows various rooms to be connected together or to serve as separate areas depending on the need and preference. 

The lattice panels extend over a big section of the apartment and allow the rooms to be connected in various different ways
The lattice panels extend over a big section of the apartment and allow the rooms to be connected in various different ways

What’s also interesting is the design of these sliding walls. The inspiration comes from the traditional islamic architecture where carved wood latticework is a common element. It’s often incorporated into the facades of buildings, typically on the second floor. 

The living room and dining area share an open space and enjoy a neutral and relaxing decor
The living room and dining area share an open space and enjoy a neutral and relaxing decor

The role of these perforated panels is to allow the view from the inside but to block it from the outside and thus to preserve the privacy of the residents. Another advantage of this is that the design favors natural ventilation and allows light to filter through. 

The kitchen is adjacent to the dining area and they can be connected thanks to the sliding panels
The kitchen is adjacent to the dining area and they can be connected thanks to the sliding panels

A simplified and more modern version of that was used in this apartment and the effect it has on the spaces is a very favorable one. First of all, the sliding latticework walls are very practical and in tone with a contemporary apartment. Second of all the wood and the pattern help to add warmth and visual interest to the rooms and serve as decorative elements. In combination with a warm and earthy palette of materials and colors this ends up being a very welcoming home. What’s also beautiful is the fact that these panels don’t completely block the connection between the rooms on either side. You can still peek through them and see the light and an abstract outline of what’s going on without being able to distinguish details, hence the privacy which is always important. 

When the sliding doors are closed, the kitchen becomes a smaller but also cozier room
When the sliding doors are closed, the kitchen becomes a smaller but also cozier room
In addition to be highly practical, the sliding doors also serve as an important decorative element throughout the apartment
In addition to be highly practical, the sliding doors also serve as an important decorative element throughout the apartment
The doors can slide open completely or partially, thus allowing the users to control the level of privacy which they need
The doors can slide open completely or partially, thus allowing the users to control the level of privacy which they need
The wood adds a lot of warmth to this apartment along with other nature-inspired materials such as ceramic, granite and leather
The wood adds a lot of warmth to this apartment along with other nature-inspired materials such as ceramic, granite and leather
The apartment has a 115 square meter floor plan in total which can be used in a variety of different ways
The apartment has a 115 square meter floor plan in total which can be used in a variety of different ways
Because the sliding doors are such an eye-catching design element, everything else is simple
Because the sliding doors are such an eye-catching design element, everything else is simple
The apartment is also decorated with vegetation which complements its nature-inspired look wonderfully
The apartment is also decorated with vegetation which complements its nature-inspired look wonderfully
Not all the rooms get enough natural light so the perforated sliding doors help to make that less noticeable
Not all the rooms get enough natural light so the perforated sliding doors help to make that less noticeable
A floating shelf stretches along the walls going above the doors and creating a border that draws attention to the ceiling
A floating shelf stretches along the walls going above the doors and creating a border that draws attention to the ceiling