"Time, master of all rhythms. Composer of destinies (...) you are one of the most beautiful gods." This line from Caetano Veloso's song speaks volumes about life. Indeed, each tick of the clock captures a memory, some beautiful, others not as much, yet all are essential to our growth. Recognizing the importance of each memory, architect Bruna Tuon Sposito from SUM + Studio chose to honor them in her second participation in CASACOR SC. She created the “Refuge of Memories,” a space that bridges her past with her present.
The 110-square-meter space includes living and dining rooms, an integrated kitchen, a powder room, and a laundry room. The floor plan is thoughtful, rich with clever ideas and beautiful stories, starting with the fusion of countryside and ocean. Bruna, born in the countryside of São Paulo, has lived in Florianópolis for many years, close to the ocean that nurtures her creativity. This duality inspired her to incorporate elements symbolizing both worlds.
This integration creates visual harmony and serves as a timeline of her life, with deeply personal elements. One of these is a book written by the architect’s grandmother. Words and phrases from it are framed, bringing added personality to the environment. With extensive experience in manual arts, Bruna’s other grandmother embroidered the backrest of an armchair included in the project. Two other armchairs, frequently used by her grandfather, also grace the space, symbolizing pure affection. “I wanted to honor my roots. My grandmothers used art to reconnect with themselves. This space reflects that and carries forward the legacy I want to leave for my children,” Bruna shares.
Tradition and Innovation: A Harmonious Encounter
The space is reminiscent of the past but features various contemporary works. The loose furniture is from Dü Design’s Regenera collection, crafted from the Japanese raisin tree, an invasive species abundant in Rio Grande do Sul. “They create something beautiful and functional, using a material that is otherwise harmful to the environment,” she notes. The brand even repurposes leftovers into blocks for mushroom cultivation, achieving a closed cycle that fully uses the raw material. “I believe this approach deserves more focus in architecture,” adds Bruna.
The serene, natural ambiance is reinforced by a cohesive color palette. “I believe in a unified palette for a clean, simple, yet elegant space,” she explains. Color accents come from the plants woven throughout the design. Nature is invited indoors through both greenery and expansive glass openings, connecting inside and outside. A highlight is the arrangement of plants—a genuine art installation—imbuing the space with a contemporary touch on floral design. Bruna also explored diverse textures, from linen and cotton fabrics to reclaimed wood and raw stone, underscoring the connection between past and present. This sensory journey through memories is conveyed through sight and touch.
Lighting completes the design, illuminating pieces and textures with a golden hue. Central lighting adds depth, as seen in the striking organic ceiling cutout, and strategically placed lights highlight details, creating a welcoming, intimate atmosphere. “The aim was to craft a cozy and personal setting,” concludes Bruna. A testament to her vision, this warmth permeates the space, leaving visitors with yet another cherished memory in their own refuge of memories.
