Tico Indiana Building: Redefining Urban Living in São Paulo

A Sustainable and Community-Oriented Approach by Terra e Tuma Arquitetos Associados

The Tico Indiana Building, designed by Terra e Tuma Arquitetos Associados, is a striking example of sustainable urban architecture in São Paulo, Brazil. Located in the Brooklin neighborhood, this innovative residential project reimagines traditional real estate development by prioritizing community integration, green spaces, and efficient land use.

Context and Site Integration

Following the success of the TiCO RV Building, the Tico Indiana Building continues the firm's commitment to contextual architecture. Built on a 1,000m² plot surrounded by lush greenery and low-rise residential townhouses, the project respects local zoning laws that limit high-rise developments. Instead of maximizing vertical space, the architects focused on harmonizing the built environment with nature, ensuring a balanced and pedestrian-friendly urban fabric.

Architectural Concept: A New Vision for Housing

The 1607m² complex, completed in 2023, features three low-rise volumes carefully positioned to preserve 50% of the land as green space. Large, mature trees and thoughtfully designed landscaped gardens create a tranquil setting, reinforcing a sense of connection between residents and their surroundings.

One of the key elements of the design is the expanded 7-meter sidewalk, which enhances the interaction between the building and the city. This space accommodates two commercial units, activating the street-level experience and fostering a vibrant urban dynamic.

Spatial Organization and Housing Units

The three-story structure, standing 10 meters tall, houses 30 compact residential units ranging from 34.5m² to 63.5m². Organized around open circulation corridors, the layout promotes natural ventilation and daylight optimization, reducing energy consumption while ensuring comfortable living spaces.

Materiality and Construction Approach

Staying true to Terra e Tuma’s design philosophy, the Tico Indiana Building showcases an honest and minimal material palette, emphasizing raw concrete, steel, and glass. This industrial yet warm aesthetic not only reflects the firm’s signature style but also enhances durability and low-maintenance architecture.

A Model for Sustainable Urban Development

By gently densifying an existing residential area while maintaining green infrastructure, the project exemplifies a responsible alternative to conventional high-rise development. It represents a scalable model for urban housing, where sustainability, community engagement, and architectural innovation converge.

All Photographs are works of Pedro Kok