As part of Brazil’s annual design event, Casacor, architects Consuelo Jorge created ‘The Loft Refúgio’ concept space. The interactive, cosy set-up aims to reflect the desires of modern humankind and how design can align with well being, at the intersection of comfort and nature. The loft features new and upcoming releases from multiple furniture and home technology brands.
Inspired by the event’s ‘Planet House’ theme, the 100sqm interior evokes warmth and sophistication by combining natural materials with sleek technology integration and contemporary forms. Cool, smooth concrete walls contrast a sloping façade of bamboo timber. Primitive materials such as stone, clay and rustic fibres such as linen reference the traditional notion of shelter, reinforcing a conceptual dialogue between urban creature comforts and connection with nature.
Symbolic of refuge, an oversized canopy bed is the focal point of the interior, besides which a Flos glass chandelier hangs above a brass and green quartzite table. To the other side of the bed, a freestanding marble bathtub represents an exclusive design for the yet-to-open Matarazzo City, the first six-star Rosewood Hotel & Resorts location to open in South America. A Corian bench unit with mirror, shelves and thermal towel rack introduces the ‘Wave’ collection, designed by Consuelo Jorge for Metalworks.
The Loft places high-tech and handmade elements side-by-side throughout. A luminous DressALL panel by the entrance integrates fully automated dimmable lamp controls, motorized blinds and integrated speakers. Scattered along the concrete staircase (which leads nowhere), the architects collaborated with artist Heloísa Galvão on an art installation comprising one hundred pieces of liquid porcelain.
Loft Refegio seeks to prove that man can live sustainably, in harmony with nature, without sacrificing on style or aesthetic. Even the linear fireplace, carved into a concrete façade, is powered by natural gas.