Espaço A Arquitetura — Caroline Bollmann

Renovation and retrofit · Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

Renovation and retrofit projects in Curitiba, Brazil

Espaço A Arquitetura, a boutique studio based in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, transforms existing properties: apartment renovation, home renovation and retrofit of commercial spaces, authored by architect Caroline Bollmann.

Renovating requires a different kind of design than new construction. Before drawing, you have to understand the structure, the systems, moisture, acoustics and what the building rules allow.

Assessment before design

Every renovation starts with a survey and technical assessment: structure and masonry, plumbing and electrical condition, infiltration points, acoustic and thermal performance, and building or code restrictions.

  • Dimensional survey and photographic record of the existing space.
  • Moisture, acoustic and thermal comfort assessment.
  • Structural check of what can and cannot be removed.
  • Construction phasing to reduce time away from home.

Renovation or retrofit?

A renovation updates rooms: new layout, new finishes, new millwork, new systems. A retrofit goes deeper — it recovers and requalifies an older property or building, updating performance, systems and use, often preserving what has architectural value.

Apartments, homes and commercial spaces

The portfolio includes apartment renovations with full plan reorganization, home extensions and requalifications, and the renovation of a dental clinic with specific requirements for flow, biosafety and patient comfort.

A healthy-architecture opportunity

A renovation is the best moment to correct what makes a property unhealthy: poor ventilation, noise, lack of daylight and high-emission finishes. Targeted changes with carefully selected low-emission materials transform the experience without structural work.

Renovations and requalifications from the portfolio

Projects in existing properties, with challenge, solution and scope on each page.
Master suite of the L | K Apartment in Brasília with a light linen bed, slatted wood panel, mirrors and a soft-diffusion light fixture

L | K Apartment

Interiors — Brasília, DF — 2024

Kitchen of the M | V Residence — Interiors in Curitiba with dark wood millwork, central island with cooktop, stainless steel range hood, light countertops, solid wood table and parquet flooring

M | V Residence — Interiors

Interiors — Curitiba, Brazil — 2019

Outdoor area of the N | F Residence in Curitiba with gourmet space integrated to the pool, awnings, lounge and tennis court in the background

N | F Residence

Interiors — Curitiba, Brazil — 2022

Dental treatment room with chair, equipment, LED lighting, a wood slatted panel and white millwork

Clínica Odontológica S | B

Commercial — Curitiba, Brazil — 2024

Batel Apartment in Curitiba: integrated living room with home theater, dining and kitchen in a neutral palette of gray, wood and marble

A | K Apartment

Interiors — Curitiba, Brazil — 2024

Living room of the Barigui Residence with a dark marble panel across a double-height ceiling, linear fireplace, gray modular sofa and integration with the dining room

E | V Residence - Interiors

Interiors — Curitiba, Brazil — 2020

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Frequently asked questions about renovations

Does Espaço A take on renovations?
Yes. The studio designs renovation and retrofit projects for apartments, homes and commercial spaces, with technical assessment, construction documentation and site supervision.
Renovation or retrofit: what is the difference?
A renovation updates rooms — layout, finishes, millwork and systems. A retrofit is a deeper intervention that requalifies an older property or building and updates performance, systems and use while preserving what has value.
What should you consider before renovating an apartment?
Before drawing, check structure, systems, infiltration points, acoustic performance and building rules. That assessment defines what is possible, the real cost and the schedule.