LOPES QUINTAS’ BUILDING | Gisele Taranto Arquitetura

In a 416m² site in Rio de Janeiro, this project consisted in inserting a commercial building into a mostly residential neighborhood, making it a challenge for Gisele Taranto Arquitetura to integrate the new building to its surroundings. To solve this, the façades were designed as a tool to make this bridge between activities, while giving personality and functionality to the building. As the main façade incorporates the residential typology by having a balcony, the side façades present a rhythm of modular windows that were conceived by different misaligned grids, stating its difference in nature – its commercial usage.

In a city of extreme weather, with high temperatures and long periods of direct sun, the North façade (the main one), and the top of the building received special care. The first one received a vertical retractable micro-perforated sunshade that promotes light control as well as thermal comfort of the interior without compromising the sight of both Christ: The Redeemer and Tijuca’s Forest. On the other hand, the sustainable green roof located at the building’s top minimizes sun incidence effects, while also helping with the hard task of inserting itself into the natural context of the neighborhood, which is surrounded by the Tijuca’s Massif.

Keeping in mind the context as inspiration, the materials used both in the façades and their interiors reveal an industrial touch, remembering the historical background of the area, which had the industry as its primary activity. The Viroc material, for example - a hybrid between wood and cement that guarantees higher thermal control even during the hot season – encases the ventilated façade. This same approach is repeated in the interior with stone slates on the floor and visible structure on the ceiling, both opposed by wooden panels covering the walls, providing warmth and visual comfort to the workspace.