GRUPO SP Brings Serene Living to Overcrowded Sao Paolo

Brazilian architecture firm <a href="http://gruposp.arq.br/" target="_blank">GRUPO SP</a>’s residential tower on Rua Simpatia is a modern and fresh living space in an otherwise overcrowded setting. Because building in the packed city of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/winning-office-tower-design-marries-looks-with-efficiency/" target="_blank">Sao Paolo</a> can be a challenge, architects are often forced to construct their creations to fill the gaps of unoccupied lots. But unlike the typical compacted constructions that dot the city, GRUPO SP’s residence is a breath of serenity amongst all the density.

Finished this year, the façade of the building is a gridwork of alternating red metal and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/angular-wooden-bihoro-house-in-japan-used-as-a-model-for-ecological-housing/" target="_blank">wooden </a>stripes. The metal allows light and fresh air to filter through, and the wood enables privacy while blocking solar gain to the interior.

The building is located between two sloping streets and has apartments on its upper floors, with restaurants and shops on the lower congested floors that do not receive as much fresh air. The lower entrance courtyard is planted with fruit trees, whose boughs are accessible to the lower apartments and businesses, allowing residents to pick <a href="http://inhabitat.com/dutch-polydome-could-be-used-to-provide-the-majority-of-nyc’s-food/" target="_blank">fresh fruit</a> when in season. The lower floors also hold a pool and a large common room for parties.

The apartments themselves contrast with the crowded city. Each has a flexible open plan that can be adapted to each tenant’s taste. The apartments on the east and west sides feature glass curtain walls, to maximize natural lighting.

Apartments are centered around a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/budi-pradonos-naturally-cooled-r-house-brings-the-outside-in/" target="_blank">giant inner courtyard </a>which spans the entire building. This central vent also acts like a chimney, sucking up hot air and spewing it out of the building.

The central courtyard, lined with balconies, also provides a view of the interior architecture. Lower balconies have been turned into <a href="http://inhabitat.com/floating-islands-will-restore-life-to-minnesotas-spring-lake/" target="_blank">living walls</a> packed with foliage to provide cooling and fresh air to residents.

GRUPO SP’s residential tower provides secure and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/parque-humano-glass-pavilion-is-a-serene-retreat-in-the-mexican-forest/" target="_blank">serene living</a> in the thick of the urban jungle of Sao Paolo.