Tag Brazil

Nowadays almost everything is being 3D printed, so why should architecture be an exception? Many architectural firms have adopted 3D printing as their preferred technique for building structures. And 3D-printed architecture has truly gained a lot of popularity and momentum. It has paved a path for itself in modern architecture. And I mean, no wonder, it has a ton of benefits! It’s a simple, efficient, and innovative technique that lowers the risks of errors, and also manages to save time. 3D printing eradicates a lot of tedious steps during the construction process and simplifies it. And Nescafé has also jumped onto the 3D printing bandwagon with its first 3D-printed pop-up store!

Designer: Estudio Guto Requena

Brazilian architecture studio Estudio Guto Requena designed an innovative 3D-printed pop-up store for Nescafé. Called the Dolce Gusto Neo store, and located in São Paulo, the store was built using algorithmic 3D printing. The sustainable store was built using a combination of biodegradable materials and recycled plastic, which are an excellent alternative to traditional construction materials such as steel and concrete, both of which lead to carbon emissions and resource depletion. The concept and structure of the store were inspired by the five petals of the coffee flower. The store is groundbreaking, since it is a commendable effort towards regenerative architecture, and offers a conscious and innovative method to create prefabricated retail stores.

“The design for the Dolce Gusto Neo Flagship unites innovation, sustainability, and architecture,” said Estudio Guto Requena. “The building architecture invites us to reflect on potential futures that we could design, especially given the climate emergency we are facing.”

The Dolce Gusto Neo is built using a mix of glued laminated timber (GLT), from reforested pine trees, which serves as an eco-friendly source. It has a dome-shaped design supported by fixed axes, which accommodate five glassed archways that provide lovely views of the surrounding green space. A timber decking covers the store as well. The innovative and unique pop-up store is the first of its kind in Latin America and is truly paving the way for 3D-printed structures built using biodegradable materials.

As a child, we’ve all dreamed of having a large enchanting treehouse in our backyards. A place we can play all day in, and spend our summer coasting above the ground, in the canopy of a beautiful tree. As an adult, we can actually make that dream come true with Casa Monoculo. Designed by Brasília-based architect Alan Chu, the Casa Monoculo is a contemporary Brazilian home that is situated above the densely forested area of Eldorado, a neighborhood of Alto Paraiso City. The stunning home is elevated above the ground and is designed to provide a unique twist on the concept of treetop living. But it is not simply an ordinary treehouse, it is spacious and modern, no different than any of the finely done villas you see today. It provides expansive views of the beautiful surroundings while creating a luxurious living experience.

Pros:

• Provide a luxurious treetop living experience
• Provides long stunning vistas of the city, sunrise, and the mountains

Cons:

• Doesn’t seem like the house can accommodate a large number of guests, better suited for smaller parties

Designer: Alan Chu

The site is located near the city center, it required working with unusual conditions. Despite its location, it is surrounded by greenery and preserved Cerrado vegetation, which required the architect to adopt a sensitive approach. He elevated the structure from the ground, to ensure that no disturbance was caused to the existing nature, and no trees had to be cut down. As a result, the home is supported by 12 black metal pillars, five meters above the ground. It touches the ground quite lightly and also provides the residents with long stunning views of the city, sunrise, and the mountains in the distance.

Called Casa Monoculo, the house is named after the traditional monocle which translates to monóculo’ in Portuguese. The entire home was designed with the intention to frame experiences and capture and elevate the beautiful environment via the thoughtfully and well-done setup. An impressive winding staircase welcomes visitors from the ground to the house above, allowing them to connect to the surroundings on their way up.

“The Monóculo house has been designed to not only leave an everlasting memory of the view but to have provided its guests with a unique and unforgettable experience,” said Chu. And, truly the home functions as a warm, inviting, and spacious living setup that makes you feel truly connected with nature, and allows you to appreciate it admiringly from a distance.