A large variety of art and collectible design pieces populate this penthouse apartment in Sao Paulo, designed by local studio Tria Arquitetura, which also includes a sculptural staircase.The renovation of the 960-square-metre Frederic Chopin Apartment was led by architect Marina Cardoso de Almeida of Tria Arquitetura, who reconfigured the layout to make the most of the high ceilings and views

The apartment is split over two floors and is home to an art-loving couple.Previously the owners of a large house, the clients chose to move to an apartment for convenience and security, but still wanted their space to feel open and expansive.

The primary suite was moved to the upper floor, where the bed could be aligned with a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooks the cityscape.An intimate library was also created on this level, so that the whole floor is dedicated entirely to private space, apart from the patio and pool terrace, where the clients entertain guests.

Two employees' suites were shifted to the lower floor, and a guest suite and home theatre were added in place of the closet.Connecting the two levels is a staircase with travertine treads and solid white bannisters, which snakes up a double-height space to appear like a piece of sculpture.

Slatted wooden panels wrap the elevator block, the fireplace and the wall dividing the main living room from the guest area.This sets the tone for the rest of the contemporary artworks and materials used throughout the penthouse.In the open living and dining area, colourful paintings adorn the walls, and furniture and rugs in shades of green and orange stand out against the otherwise neutral palette.

Upstairs in the library, wide-planked wood flooring is continued up the walls to make the room feel cosy, and provide a backdrop for a series of framed vintage maps.The project also involved adding a pergola and reducing the pool size on the terrace.Apartment living is commonplace in densely populated Sao Paulo, where architects and designers have used their creativity to add character to previously uninspiring spaces.