# Contemporary Concrete Abodes Felipe Hess and Renata Pedrosa Design a Simple Apartment in Sao Paulo By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2015-09-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/felipe-hess-and-renata-pedrosa References: [trendland](http://trendland.com/refurbished-oscar-niemeyer-apartment-in-sao-paulo/) & [franparente](http://franparente.com/) The infamous Copan building in Sao Paulo designed by Oscar Niemeyer has been completely remodeled, which [architect design duo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-est) Felipe Hess and Renata Pedrosa joined forces to do with this stunningly simplistic apartment. Leaving the existing columns in place and working with the building's existing charm, Felipe Hess and Renata Pedrosa created a home that focuses on the [Brutalist aesthetic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/milo-apartment) throughout the space; from [concrete walls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/residential-project-in-tokyo) to rough wooden floors, the space is unassuming and ready to work for the inhabitant. 1500-sq feet in size, the apartment was stripped down to the wiring before Felipe Hess and Renata Pedrosa got their hands on it, but it's clear that the final product is nothing short of rustic, livable and homey. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: South America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Brutalist Aesthetic:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the use of Brutalist design elements in other architectural styles and spaces. - **Simplicity in Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop minimalist design solutions that prioritize functionality and create a sense of spaciousness. - **Remodeling Existing Structures:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative techniques for remodeling existing buildings while preserving their original charm. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate sustainable building materials and practices in architectural designs to create environmentally friendly structures. - **Interior Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate natural materials and textures in interior design to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. - **Real Estate:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore adaptive reuse strategies to transform underutilized buildings into functional spaces for modern living. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Brutalist Minimal Apartment Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fj-apartment.md) - [Vividly Designed Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pascali-semerdjian-arquitetos-1.md) - [Brutalist Concrete Tower Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-noju.md) - [Sculptural Staircase Penthouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frederic-chopin.md) - [Compact Duplex Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sbc-apartment.md) - [Nature-Inspired Minimal Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/simara-melo.md) - [Modern Minimal Concrete Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/copas.md) - [Modernist Home Renovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bauhaus-budapest-apartment.md) - [Curved Translucent Experimental Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptors-apartment.md)