Manaus, Brazil
Instead of the 18 studios initially requested by our client, the Manga – Vila Santa Thereza Building is a 12 apartments building of different types, 3 studios, 3 1-bedroom apartments, 3 2-bedrooms apartments and 3 3-bedrooms apartments. This change in briefing pleased the client who had a lower investment and a higher return.
But the most important gain was for the city with this venture that values social mix: students and singles inhabit with young couples and families.
The East-West orientation of the 12x49m plot allowed for a longitudinal use that favors a building with less exposure to the rising sun and the setting sun.
The void has its value and a mango-tree has been re-planted.
On the façades most exposed to the sun (East and West) a metal grid was installed that filters the light and the views, creating a yellowish “halo” in line with the mango tree that originated the project concept. These metal grades also reduce the solar incidence in order to reduce the need for cooling the apartments.
