Arapiraca, Sao Paulo
In May 2017, Triptyque Architecture completed a new residential building in Vila Madalena district in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The main objective of the architects was the integration of the residential complex with its context - a neighborhood of old houses, close to bars and restaurants - to create a ‘natural dialogue’.
To achieve this, they split the complex into eight randomly-distributed blocks, each with an independent access, and positioned to give the best views and optimised ventilation and daylighting. A ninth block contains lifts and stairs, and access to metallic footbridges.
The result is a configuration of apartments allowing for privacy equivalent to independent houses. With generous terraces and a wide ceiling-height, the units vary from studio to triplex and can have a number of different layouts.
The memory of Vila Madalena appears in the choice of coatings. The predominance of projected concrete - a rough and rustic material, almost primitive, in a graphite colour - is a reference to the finish of the old buildings of the district.
History also appears in the use of ceramics, a reference to the Portuguese, the first immigrants who occupied the region. The blue and white azulejos, a tribute to the artist Athos Bulcão, cover all internal facades. Smooth and reflective, they give life to the facades while illuminating the centre of the ground.
Vegetation plays a central role in the project, whether in the plants attached to the walkways, or the ground floor, where the green density creates an ‘urban forest’ under the building.
Content and images courtesy of Triptyque Architecture.
Images © Fernando Guerra.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.