HPL | WPVA _WalterPescarolloVivan Architects

The fundamental idea is to join sustainable design and architecture, and to work these concepts in a united manner, resulting in pleasant, alluring and inquiring, constantly interacting, spaces. Experimenting Art, Architecture, Landscape and Environment. The main architectural assumption consists of the release of empty spaces between floors from vertical structural elements in broad areas, at the ground floor level, and in elevated floors, and of the circulation and use of spaces in a very easy and flexible fashion. As a response to this assumption, our structure proposal only defines two preferential longitudinal alignments for the implementation of vertical supports. In the central alignment, defined as the longitudinal axis of the building, a continuous plan was materialized by means of a reinforced concrete wall to which the cores of vertical access amongst various floors are connected. In an alignment parallel to the central alignment, there are punctual supports materialized by H-section metallic pillars. The assemblage composed of vertical structural elements and high transversal Vierendeel and longitudinal truss beams, launched between floors, is the main support structure of elevated floors. These parts are formed of H-section steel profiles, associated to highly efficient rigid knots, or portico knots. The two-element structural solution for floors harmonizes low weight and necessary vertical rigidity, complying with the performance requirements for those floors. Solid I-section metallic beam grids supported on the central alignment and on the facades were so defined. Those beams support the second floor structure, which is composed of mixed steel/concrete slabs with steel deck. Considering the broad plan development of the building, and to accommodate predictable longitudinal dilatation and contraction movements of the structure, the use of belted neoprene support devices, sliding in the longitudinal direction, is planned.