Manguatá Building: Innovative Residential Design in São Paulo

The Manguatá Building, the third collaboration between Terra e Tuma Arquitetos Associados and TiCO, is a contemporary residential project in the Brooklin neighborhood. This six-story development houses 22 thoughtfully designed apartments ranging from 46 to 84 m², alongside a vibrant ground-floor retail space.

Urban Integration and Streetscape Activation

Situated on a compact 20x20m plot, the building exemplifies responsible urban densification that enhances the local streetscape. Its ground-floor shop, featuring expansive display windows, actively engages pedestrians, creating a welcoming and lively public environment. By extending the sidewalk and eliminating railings that traditionally separate private developments from the city, the design fosters a seamless transition between public and private spaces. Visitors are immediately greeted by a lush entrance garden and a striking artistic mural crafted from tiles, introducing natural and cultural elements into the urban fabric.

Natural Light and Landscape Connection

The apartments emphasize openness and interaction with nature through floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize daylight and ventilation. Private planter boxes along the perimeter reinforce a connection with the neighborhood's wooded environment, ensuring residents enjoy both privacy and a sense of harmony with the surrounding landscape.

Rooftop Leisure and Community Spaces

The building’s rooftop has been designed as a shared leisure and social hub, allowing residents to savor panoramic views. Featuring seating areas, a large garden terrace, and functional amenities such as a pantry and laundry room, the rooftop promotes community interaction and offers a serene escape from the urban bustle.

Materials and Sustainability

The project utilizes durable and sustainable materials, including Concresteel structural elements, Kohler fixtures, Neorex finishes, REKA systems, and Keramica surfaces, combining aesthetics with longevity. The design strategy emphasizes environmentally conscious architecture that respects both the urban context and residents’ comfort.

Manguatá Building Highlights

• 22 modern apartments with efficient layouts
• Floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light and ventilation
• Integrated planter boxes for connection to greenery
• Ground-floor retail enhancing streetscape and safety
• Rooftop garden terrace for leisure and social gatherings
• Artistic tile mural at entrance creating a cultural statement

The Manguatá Building stands as a model of contemporary residential architecture that balances urban density, environmental sensitivity, and community-centered design, reflecting Terra e Tuma Arquitetos Associados’ commitment to creating vibrant, livable spaces in São Paulo.

All photographs are works of  Pedro Kok, Rafael Fiorotto