Sensory Minimalism and Spatial Precision in Curitiba Residential Design

The 87th edition of Glocal Design Magazine features notable architectural and interior design projects from Mexico in 2025, with a focus on winners of the Noldi Schreck Prize. One highlighted project is an 85-square-meter apartment in Curitiba designed by Diane Justus for a young medical couple in residency. The design addresses the challenge of transitional living by reinterpreting established habits and emotional connections within a compact space. Key considerations included accommodating two dogs—Romeu, a golden retriever, and Louis, a Yorkshire terrier—whose presence influenced the home's atmosphere. Material choices centered on stone for continuity and tactile quality, alongside high-performance surfaces from Atlas Plan in kitchen and dining areas. Spatial decisions involved removing a bedroom to enlarge the main suite and integrating the living area with the balcony by eliminating partitions, enhancing natural light and perceived spaciousness. Lighting was integral, featuring organic lines, indirect illumination, and focal points, with a tensioned membrane in the suite providing uniform light. The curation included personal objects, marble powder sculptures inspired by classical works like the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace, and fashion pieces as design elements, blending art, architecture, and fashion. The project emphasizes emotional dimensions and ethical design, transforming a temporary residence into a reflective sanctuary.