A 'Hybrid Habitat' By Guto Requena Gives New Meaning to 'Urban Jungle' in São Paolo

Photos by Manuel Sá. Images courtesy of Guto Requena, shared with permission

December 22, 2025

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In São Paolo, a midcentury interior is reimagined into a “hybrid habitat” by architect Guto Requena. The project, called “Apartamento Varanda,” reimagines a modernist residence, originally constructed in 1962, with contemporary details that nod to its decades-old spirit while incorporating a particularly organic element in the form of lots and lots of plants.

Draped from rafters or bespoke frameworks, Brazilian botanicals create a green oasis indoors. What Requena describes as a “true urban forest” is then complemented by a range of iconic furnishings from both modernist and contemporary eras. See more on the studio’s website.

An apartment interior designed by Guto Requena with an eclectic variety of contemporary furnishings and houseplants draping from rafters in the ceiling

An apartment kitchen designed by Guto Requena with houseplants draping from frameworks above the counters

An apartment interior designed by Guto Requena with an eclectic variety of contemporary furnishings and houseplants draping from rafters in the ceiling