Dpot is situated on a 1500 square meter plot in São Paulo, previously surrounded by a garden. After analyzing existing soil use and occupancy regulations, we found that demolishing the old buildings would result in a new building usage index that is significantly less favorable compared to current parameters like setback lines. To maintain the same construction potential, it became clear that renovating and transforming the existing structures was necessary.
The solution involved reorganizing the interior layout and exterior facade of the original building to accommodate commercial use. While this change is substantial, it preserves the informal, relaxed character of its residential past. Product displays are arranged within a single room, where varying ceiling heights and mezzanines create diverse spatial scales. This kaleidoscopic arrangement offers spaces of different volumes and atmospheres.
Two key design principles guide this project: the garden is always visible from inside the store, and the exterior decorations remain visible from the outside. To achieve this, all sections below the main space—except the service area—were ‘removed.’ Glass strips were evenly embedded around the building’s exterior to enhance transparency. The exterior is coated with cement, while the interior is finished with wooden panels. This combination seamlessly integrates the inside with the outside, making the large cement volume appear to float above the surrounding lush garden.
Design Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ Underground Floor Plan
△ Ground Floor Plan
△ Upper Floor Plan
△ Front Facade & Sectional View
△ Sectional Drawing & Longitudinal Sectional View
Project Information
Project type: Store
Location: Jardim América, Brazil
Architectural Firm: Isay Weinfeld
Area: 770 m²
Project Year: 2015
Photographer: Fernando Guerra | FG+SG
Manufacturers: Art Steel, Lighting Company, Clatt, Concresteel, Deca, Eurocentro, Hansgrohe, Microcemento Do Brasil, Portinari, Pratikline, Tecnics, Viroc
Lead Architect: Elena Faria Scarabotolo
Design Team: Cristiano Kato, Elisa Canjani, Katherine Ortner, Sara Leitão, Sebastian Murr, Sophia Lin
General Contractor: Alle Engenharia
Structural Design: Leão e Associados
HVAC Engineering: Logitec
Electrical Engineering: Zamaro
Lighting Engineering: Maneco Quinderé e Associados
Automated Design: Oguri Tecnologia Integra
Landscape Design: Rodrigo Oliveira
Lake Water Design: Ecosys Lagos Ornamentais
Logo Design: Roberto Cipolla
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