MAPAA Architects has completed the OFMA family office building, designed specifically for a father and his son. Situated on a hillside in the Maipo Valley, just south of Santiago, the location is surrounded by expansive vineyards and olive groves, famed for its wine production. The design concept draws inspiration from the winemaking process, particularly the brewing and storage stages, and features a structural system composed of three reinforced concrete arches.
The OFMA building was designed to accommodate the needs of a father-son team who wanted a separate office space connected through a central area that welcomes clients and partners. The building sits on a hillside, facing north towards vineyards and olive groves, with partner offices positioned at opposite ends of the central gathering space. This orientation provides both close views of the natural landscape and distant vistas of the city of San Diego. The main entrance, located on the south side, leads to the reception area, bathrooms, cellar, and kitchen.
The architecture embodies the family’s heritage, closely linked to their longstanding tradition of winemaking at this site. The building’s dome-like form symbolizes wine and wine cellars, which is reflected in the use of three reinforced concrete arches that divide the structure into three primary zones while maintaining overall structural integrity.
At the client’s request, a large Italian tapestry measuring 3.6 meters in height and 6 meters in width is displayed in the central space. This artwork influenced the supporting structure, particularly the walls, and enhances the perception of space, height, and the relationship with the sky. After evaluating options for both flat and sloped roofs, MAPAA chose a self-supporting dome roof. This design allows for long spans without the need for lateral support, creating a wall that separates the two offices from the central space while maintaining openness.
Project Drawings
▲ Sectional View
▲ Floor Plan
▲ Floor Plan
▲ Elevation View
▲ Elevation View
Project Information
Project Name: OFMA
Architectural Firm: MAPAA (Christie, Lala, Matt, Madsen)
Co-Architects: Felipe Miquel, Alessandra Delisio
Project Type: Family Office
Location: Santiago, Chile (Pirc, Harald de Pirc)
Structural Engineer: Manuel Jose Ruiz
Contractor: Hector H (BIM Design Hernandez)
Materials: Concrete and Steel
Total Area: 330 square meters
Photographer: Pablo Casals Aguirre
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