C A HEADQUARTER | MMEB arquitetos

Carmo Advogados Head-Office,
Cuiaba, Brazil

Because it is an expansion, an attachment, we chose a harmonious integration with the existing building, on a site of modest dimensions, with a program of needs that conditioned the use of its whole construction potential. Our concern was to integrate the two parts while providing our work with its own personality. In order to achieve this, we initially used a horizontal block to simulate continuity to the existing building, and a vertical bar to break this idea, creating a counterpoint to it. These two basic shapes are sculptured and modified to form the building and receive natural light. On the facade we chose to make a few openings due to strong sunshine in the afternoon, considering that Cuiabá, a city located in central Brazil with a humid tropical climate, presents summer temperatures that can reach 42º C. If on one hand we shut off the façade to protect the building, on the other hand we created courtyards, so that the building can receive natural light and ventilation, an efficient and unusual solution today in our city, a forgotten regional tradition that we sought to recover. Considering the small dimensions of the lot, we decided in favor of a steel structure and external panels of lightweight cement slabs with all walls containing thermal and acoustic insulation and plasterboard on internal walls and ceilings. The design included two courtyards that serve as a source of natural light and ventilation. By adopting the courtyards, we provided our customers with a new way of life, taking into account that they were previously working in rooms with no natural light or ventilation. And the headquarters of Carmo Lawyers embodies this concept of sustainability, on its four floors space designed by us decorated.