SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL
Architect Miguel Juliano’s project, completed 50 years ago, is a remarkable example of modernist architecture in São Paulo. The building features cantilevered concrete planters that cascade down the urban façade, offering passersby a lush green view.
The side facades have glazed anodized aluminum frames that expose the rhythm of the exposed concrete vaulted structure through arched openings.
What’s particularly ingenious about the structure is the arched profiles of the concrete slabs that allow for the complete absence of pillars inside the building, relying only on the facade’s pillars.
The stability of the arches allows for the reuse of the metallic concrete forms to pour the next vault just 24 hours after the previous one. This method creates a sequence of arches that quickly emerges, penetrating the interior of the apartments and organizing the spaces like a Roman aqueduct.
For the renovation, the architects aimed to restore the structure’s beauty by removing excess finishes from previous occupations. Walls were torn down to merge the kitchen and office into the living room, creating a free space for socializing.
Polymeric cement was applied over the existing flooring to unify the social area and avoid new demolitions. The original wooden flooring was recovered in the three bedrooms and hallway, and modular wooden decks were used in the porch and showers, creating a cozier atmosphere in contrast to the concrete present in the construction.
The internal curves of the vaults proved to be excellent light reflectors for the LED profiles chosen to line the slabs, reducing the use of drywall ceilings to a minimum.
The architects sought not to disturb the beauty of the original project, allowing the structure to be the highlight of the building. The flexible and generous floor plans, organized by an intelligent structure, make this project unique and groundbreaking.
Architects: Ana Sawaia Arquitetura, Estúdio Paulo Alves
Area : 280 m²
Year : 2022
Photographs: Carolina Lacaz
