The Leblon Offices will be a 10 story office building with a leasable floor area of 6,500 sq meters. A generous lobby will connect the building to the street, a recessed open retail plaza and then to the underground parking. The building’s design reflects the distinct orientation of the site while addressing issues of sustainability, maximum efficiency and flexibility. Richard Meier & Partners is aiming for this project to be a high-end office space that will become a significant architectural contribution to Rio de Janeiro while respecting Brazil’s rich architectural heritage. Additionally, the project will also explore the use of indoor and outdoor spaces and the building’s relationship and access to the city that surrounds it.
Recessed from the street slightly, the west facade features a carefully composed set of louvers that work to provide sun shading and privacy while maximizing natural daylight. Meanwhile on the east side, the building is pulled back from its neighbors to create an internal courtyard, which provides daylighting from two sides and space for a vertical garden. Inside, the open floor plan office provides flexibility over the long run and everyone enjoys ample daylighting in which to work. The office building is expected to receive LEED-silver certification.
Design Partner-in-charge Bernhard Karpf comments: “We are delighted to unveil our first project in Brazil and we are honored to contribute to the modern architecture that is part of the cultural life of Rio de Janeiro. Each element of the building’s organization reflects an ambitious focus on sustainable architecture and in the innovative use of efficient materials and construction solutions. We hope the new building is not only sustainable and efficient, but also the best working environment in the neighborhood of Leblon.”
Images ©Richard Meier & Partners
