ISSUE NO. 39

A June Issue

Years ago, I ran a half marathon on pure curiosity—no training, just wonder. This week’s slower run brought that memory back, pulsing through my shins, still healing years later. For a moment, I was reminded that movement doesn’t need to be intense to matter—just intentional. I’m learning to move for the dialogue it opens between body and mind—a quieter kind of momentum.

ARCHITECTURALLY CURIOUS

A Shore Thing

In the lush coastal region of Angra dos Reis—just a few hours from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—the natural beauty of the Atlantic Forest meets the calm waters of the sea. This area, known for its idyllic beaches and forested islands, is a popular retreat for those seeking a break from bustling city life.

Coastline Calling

A summer home—Casa Angra—originally designed by architect Fernando Peixoto went through a major renovation with a clear architectural strategy: maintain the original volume but open up the facades to embrace ocean views and highlight local landmarks like Ilha Grande.

Island Influence

The upper floor became the main hub for living, dining, and entertaining—complete with an outdoor terrace for enjoying the sea breeze. Private quarters—including bedrooms and a home office—were laid out to ensure comfort and privacy. Even where views were obstructed, features were introduced such as skylights, internal gardens, and exposed stone walls to ensure a constant dialogue between the home and its natural surroundings.

GLOBAL GLIMPSE

São Paulo: Balancing Beige

In a city known for its density and dynamic pace—this São Paulo residence offers a counterpoint: a home designed as a sanctuary. Set within a mixed-use residential building near Ibirapuera Park, the residence is part of a larger architectural vision that embraces both structure and interior as a single, cohesive expression.

Refined Retrofit

The interiors follow a philosophy of warm minimalism—where neutral tones, natural materials, and seamless surfaces guide the eye without overwhelming it. Terrazzo flooring, oak paneling, and soft-textured textiles create a unified palette that allows light and shadow to subtly animate the space. Furniture and fixtures—many of them custom-made—adhere to a sculptural simplicity, combining function with elegance.

Softened Skylines

What sets this project apart is the complete integration between architectural form and interior function. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame lush park views, while cobogó panels filter sunlight, providing both ventilation and privacy. The design addresses complex practical needs—like automation and climate control—with invisible solutions, ensuring that nothing interrupts the clean lines and serene aesthetic.

VISUAL COMFORT

Stitching Sanity

Created during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Salman Khoshroo’s series Wool Portraits on Foam is a striking departure from his usual painting practice. Based in Tehran—he turned to wool as a new medium—crafting expressive portraits by layering the fibers onto foam. The works fuse painterly gestures with sculptural technique—turning soft, flowing wool into vibrant human faces.

Emotional Fiber

The act of sculpting wool into facial features—noses, cheekbones, lips, and flowing hair—became a meditative process, offering both solace and a way to reinvent his practice. This body of work is more than just a creative experiment—it is an emotional and therapeutic response to a time of personal and collective uncertainty.

Sculptural Stitchwork

He sees the wool as both a comforting material and a metaphor for vulnerability, mirroring the fragility of human existence during crisis. The softness of the medium contrasts with traditional notions of masculinity—inviting reflection on the shifting boundaries of gender and identity.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

What I'm Listening to in June

With a new month comes a new studio playlist. I invite you to click on the color of the month image above—a warm burnt brick—to see what’s inspiring us this June. I’ll see you next week, my friend.

Warmly,
/shane