Philippe Starck reinterprets Brazilian modernism in São Paulo penthouse


French designer Philippe Starck has used Brazilian materials for the interiors of the penthouse at the Rosewood São Paulo, inside a tower by architect Jean Nouvel.


The multi-level suite occupies the top floors of Nouvel’s Mata Atlantica “vertical garden tower” and is one of several serviced Rosewood Residences within the building.

The penthouse has a huge double-height living area with floor-to-ceiling glazing

Measuring 12,000 square feet and comfortably sleeping eight, the penthouse sits at one of the highest points in São Paulo and is afforded uninterrupted, panoramic views across the city.

Starck’s team was responsible for the interiors and terraces throughout the Rosewood São Paulo hotel and residences, and took the same approach to using local materials throughout the project.

Dining area below a mezzanine with a bookcase
Materials like warm-toned ipe wood create a modern take on Brazilian modernism

Inside the penthouse, marbles sourced from Paraná and warm-toned ipe wood create a dramatic and contemporary take on Brazilian modernism.

“While the layout allows for separation from the hustle and bustle below, all design touches still work to make guests feel connected to the spirit of the city,” said the Rosewood team.

Kitchen featuring sculptural stone islands with curved corners
The kitchen features sculptural stone islands with curved corners

The penthouse is filled with furniture and artworks by Brazilian artists and designers, including Tarsila do Amaral, Jean-Baptiste Debret, Jerome Sainte Rose, Julio Bittencourt, Tércio Teixeira, Lúcio Consul, Renato Marcelo Rei and Oscar Niemeyer.

“The artists’ works tell different stories of life in Brazil across various mediums including sculpture, paintings, tile work, drawings, textiles, and rugs, providing a visual and meaningful touchpoint back to the destination’s rich culture,” the team said.

Swooping staircase with floating treads based on an Oscar Niemeyer design
The swooping staircase with floating marble treads is based on an Oscar Niemeyer design

The huge double-height living area is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass, making the most of the skyline vista, while a high-gloss ceiling reflects the windows to allow the space to feel even taller.

An ensuite bedroom, a kitchen with sculptural stone islands, a patterned wallpaper-lined powder room and back-of-house quarters are also located on the lower level.

Aerial view of living area from top of staircase
The majority of the furniture and artworks in the penthouse are by Brazilian artists and designers

At the end of the living room is a focal staircase with floating marble treads based on a Niemeyer design in Brasilia, which swoops up to a mezzanine walkway.

This provides access to a study and TV room, the primary bedroom suite and additional sleeping quarters.

Den looking onto a terrace planted with tropical flora
Windows look onto the terraces planted with tropical flora

The primary suite encompasses a marble-clad bathroom with a matching freestanding egg-shaped tub, which has a view of the cityscape through a glass panel onto the mezzanine.

A long corridor with closet storage on both sides leads through to the bedroom, which can be wrapped in electronically controlled blackout curtains at the push of a button.

Primary bedroom with wood-panelled walls
The penthouse comfortably sleeps eight guests

Most of the windows are surrounded on the exterior by tropical foliage that grows on the tower’s expansive terraces, some of which are accessible.

The lush landscaping is filled with a captivating array of vibrant plants native to the surrounding rainforest, an extension of the awe-inspiring biophilic design of the hotel’s entire Mata Atlantica tower,” said the team.

Marble-lined bathroom with an egg-shaped tub
In the primary bathroom, an egg-shaped marble tub is afforded a skyline view

On the roof, accessed via a black spiral staircase, is a jungle-like garden of tropical plants through which flagstone pathways lead to hidden seating areas and a hot tub.

The end of the path emerges at an infinity pool overlooking Avenida Paulista, lined with dramatic blue, green and orange stone and flanked by plants on either side.

A pitched weathering-steel frame rises over the water, mimicking the rooflines of the historic buildings that comprise the Cidade Matarazzo – a former hospital turned mixed-use complex – below.

The penthouse and the other residences within the tower have access to all of the hotel’s restaurants and pool areas, as well as amenities including the spa and fitness centre.

Verdant roof terrace with views over São Paulo
As one of the highest points in São Paulo, the roof terrace enjoys panoramic views across the city

Privately owned, the residences are available for guests to book depending on availability.

The Rosewood group is rapidly expanding its global portfolio of permanent residences, with recent announcements including Los Cabos and Beverly Hills.

Pathway through jungle-like foliage to a swimming pool
Pathways lead through the jungle-like foliage to seating areas and the swimming pool

People are no longer just looking for a home, but a fully serviced lifestyle,” Brad Berry, Rosewood’s vice president of global residential development, told Dezeen.

“Owners gain access to a carefully curated lifestyle where every detail has been designed to meet the highest standard of comfort and sophistication.”

Infinity pool overlooking São Paulo
Covered by a weathering-steel frame, the infinity pool overlooks Avenida Paulista and the city beyond

Starck is one of the world’s best-known contemporary designers and is behind many iconic hospitality projects.

His other recent work in South America includes a skyscraper in Ecuador that was unveiled last year.

The photography is courtesy of Rosewood.



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