Secret Gardens in Sao Paolo City Apartment Create a Jungle Atmosphere
Nestled in a city of more than 2 million people, a Sao Palo apartment is not just a stylish home, but also a garden biome. The multi-floor residence features gardens that simulate a sub-forest as well as rocky highlands, both with their characteristic plantings. The sum total is a stunning Jardim Paulistano retreat in the middle of a concrete jungle.
The landscape design on the rooftops of the apartment is like a conservation area of vegetal biodiversity that is in harmony with the location, low maintenance, and eco-friendly. Mimicking the flora of the Atlantic Forest, much of the vegetation is tropical, but includes transitional plantings. The different levels of the apartment are used as natural divisions in the types of vegetation, with the eighth floor encompassing a winter garden, with valley vegetation of herbaceous and shrubby tender plants. The entire section is the sub-forest type, because it is shaded by native palms (Palmito Jussara) that come from the humid valleys of the Atlantic Forest. The seventh and ninth floors feature simulated natural formations of rocky highlands, with shrub specimens that have rough leaves, as well as vines and some epiphytes that grow well in isolation.
On one of the patios, a large concrete table that has plenty of heft looks as much a part of the landscape as natural rock formations might. Down the center of the massive table runs a planter that helps tie the piece in with the surroundings. we can just imagine candlelit evening dinners int his spectacular setting!
Just as spectacular, the upward view makes you feel like you are lying in a forest and peering up through the canopy to the sky. This setting is almost an homage to the country of Brazil and its abundant forests, tropical areas and unknown wilds.
The unique design is an example of how landscaping can be used in efficient environmental management and improvement. In fact, the concept of using almost 100 percent the walls as vertical garden areas makes the most of the while providing a large green expanse that envelops the interior spaces. The windows are quite literally like a framed image of the view and create continuity with the garden and surrounding green areas.
Inside the home, white walls and plentiful natural light extend the wide open feeling. Large windows allow for views of the greenery outside and low, modern furnishings keep sight lines clean. Expansive walls are the perfect backdrop for highlighting select pieces of modern art, as is done here. Overall, its a relaxing and breathable space.
A special room in the home is devoted to music, with a permanent stage and plenty of space for guests to watch and listen, or even dance along with the music. The neutral space is accented with a red bar that runs the length of the windows, which offer a view of the specially constructed gardens outside. It is a private and inspiring space for practicing.
On the second floor, a walkway connects the two sides of the apartment. It seems much less like a hallway and more like a long room thanks to the generous width and lack of a solid wall on one side. The open space and short glass wall open up the area, and the large rectangular windows gives the feeling that the home is in the jungle. The wide hall also allows for a long bench, which can be used for taking a quick seat or for displaying special items.
The wide open library room opens out onto a patio that features a dramatic, vertical garden full of lush tropical plantings. Large glass sliding doors serve to blend the outside and the inside, creating a space that transitions from one to the other seamlessly. On either side of the glass, the residents can enjoy the lavish plantings and serenity that they create.