Colombian studio 5 Sólidos has outfitted a duplex apartment in Medellín with a curvaceous red velvet couch and a concrete stair surrounded by vintage glass brick as an homage to 1980s style.
Located on the top floor of an apartment building, the 390-square-meter PH8 penthouse was designed by 5 Sólidos for a restaurateur client “with a taste for good conversation and well-considered living”, according to the team.
The apartment spans two levels connected by a concrete stair lined with cherry-red railing.
The lower level is dedicated to private areas, such as bedrooms and a bathroom. The floor is covered in grey granite, while a large walnut volume encloses the private rooms.
The primary bedroom features a green velvet headboard, with slim, metallic pendant lights suspended from the ceiling above the bedside tables. An ensuite bathroom is wrapped in silver-blue stone, with a black, freestanding tub at the centre and a large shower bordered by floor-to-ceiling windows.
A painting by Víctor Garcés hangs in the slim entryway, tucked into a niche in the walnut millwork, “evoking the quiet discipline of a Japanese interior”.
Next to the entryway, the concrete stair leads to the next level. Vintage glass brick clads one side, and a suspended sculpture by artist Alejandro Tobón hangs above.
The upper level is dedicated to the social areas and centres around a large open living space and kitchen.
The floors here are covered in dark green terrazzo and the coffered ceiling is exposed. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the space, covered by linen curtains.
As in the first level, here a large curved wooden volume cuts through one side of the floor. Inside, behind concealed doors, is a restroom and a small bedroom.
The kitchen area sits behind the staircase. Stainless steel pendants hang above a large dark green marble island, while a brushed metal was used as a reflective backsplash in the space.
In front of the kitchen is the living area, which features a low-slung modular red velvet couch custom-made by 5 Sólidos, complemented by an earthen coffee table and bench.
Rey chairs by Hay, Flos Horizzontale lamps, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system also fill the space.
Next to the kitchen, glass doors lead onto a spacious patio.
“The apartment channels the spirit of 1980s interiors while embracing a contemporary, detail-oriented approach,” said the team.
“High above the Medellín skyline, penthouse PH8 unfolds as an evocative blend of expressive materials, local art, and timeless design references – anchored in a deep dialogue between past and present.”
Led by founder Daniel Correa, 5 Sólidos recently completed a house for music artist J Balvin in Medellín. Other recent projects in the city include a triangular, concrete office building by StudioSC and Base Taller.
The photography is by Mónica Barreneche
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