Orlando Denardi and Arthur Machado had two requirements when they were looking for a new apartment in São Paulo: to be closer to their friends, and to find a unit with dedicated outdoor space. “That was the dream,” Orlando says.

At the time, they lived in a far-flung area, so socializing meant taking a taxi or a lot of trains—and they craved a connection to the outdoors, although they knew it was a big ask in a dense city of high-rise buildings. “We are piled up, and getting more piled up as time goes by,” says Arthur.

Fortunately, one of the couple’s hobbies is scrolling real estate listings, so only six months passed before they found a penthouse apartment in the Pinheiros neighborhood. The building—which neighbors call the Cenourão, or “big carrot”—was originally designed by architect Ary de Queiroz Barros in the early ’80s, and the couple explain that it was noteworthy for its focus on duplex apartments. 

In traditional penthouses, says Arthur, the terrace is located off the upper level and separated from the main living spaces, which are usually on the lower level. “Then you have to put in another half bath and kitchen upstairs to entertain,” says Arthur. The Cenourão penthouse plan is flipped, with the terrace off the lower-level living room. “In this case, the configuration is like a home,” adds Orlando. “The social areas are downstairs, with the outdoors.”

However, the rest of the floor plan suffered from tight, compartmentalized rooms, some with triangular corners and diagonal walls. “I took a while to see the potential, because it was very segmented,” says Arthur—but Orlando, being an architect, knew exactly how to proceed.

Before: Entry and Living Room

After: Entry and Living Room 

Location: 2006 El Moran Street, Los Angeles, California

Price: $1,450,000

Year Built: 1921

Renovation Date: 2025

Renovation Architect: Oller & Pejic Architecture

Footprint: 949 square feet (1 bedroom, 1 bath)

Lot Size: 0.14 Acres

From the Agent: “A rare and transcendent piece of L.A. history, this restored cabin—Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument #839—was home to Paul Landacre, a celebrated modernist artist whose work was shaped by the surrounding landscape and is held in the collections of LACMA, MoMA, and the Whitney. An artful renovation by Oller & Pejic Architecture honors the home’s singular ethos, preserving single-wall construction and exposed beams while introducing masterful updates. Wood paneling and floors bring depth and warmth. Incredible light, exquisite views, and original details like petrels carved into the gables infuse the home with quiet elegance. The bedroom opens to a wraparound deck and the sunny bonus room could function as an office or second bedroom. Scenic decks and patios take in stunning vistas, and there’s a spa for winding down and a detached studio for art or work.”

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Project Details:

Location: Todos Santos, Mexico

Architect: PPAA / @perez_palacios_aa

Footprint: 3,800 square foot

Interiors: PPAA with Vipp and Julie Cloos Mølsgaard

Builder: Grupo Impulsa

Photographer: Anders Hviid / @andershviid

From the Architect: “The architecture of Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, is a captivating blend of historic charm and contemporary influences. The town, nestled between the Sierra de la Laguna mountains and the Pacific Ocean, boasts a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture. Wandering through the streets, one encounters preserved colonial buildings with vibrant facades that showcase a palette of earthy tones. Over time, Todos Santos has become a haven for artists and creatives, influencing the architectural landscape. Quaint art galleries, boutique hotels, and stylish cafes seamlessly integrate modern design elements while maintaining a respect for the town’s traditional aesthetic.

“This rammed-earth project began by considering the natural topography, aligning the architecture with contours and capturing views. A key strategy involves crafting a defined exterior space that’s integrated with the surroundings, acting as an anchor and shaping the overall design. This approach fosters a relationship between the built environment and landscape. The strategic placement of volumes responds directly to the landscape and ocean views.

“Extended walls optimize natural light and frame views. This design element is meant to enhance the ambiance, reinforcing a serene connection with the landscape. The circular rooftop swimming pool is placed to maximize panoramic ocean and sky views. The defined exterior space seamlessly transforms into a covered terrace, acting as the focal point for social encounters. A central fireplace adds to the ambiance while also serving as a support column.”