MiCasa Vol.C is a single open space that completes the existing furniture store complex in São Paulo. The complex consists of the original store, Vol.A, the annex designed by studio mk27 in 2007, Vol.B, and now the new space called Vol.C.
In order to improve the relationship and access between the two existing buildings and volume C, we raised the ground floor level by 89cm in relation to the street. The client is an old friend of the studio and a great admirer and promoter of design, art and architecture in São Paulo.
The flexible program needed a space that would allow for several different uses: exhibition space, parties, shop and an artists’ residence - an original airtream vintage trailer parked inside the building.
For the construction of a light pavilion, was adopted a wooden structural system, influence of studio mk27’s recent research about structures, and suitable for a quick and clean construction.
A succession of glued laminated timber frames overcomes almost 15m spans. Every two modules, in the upper plane, steel rods are used for bracing the structure.
The structure exceeds the pillar line and creates a substructure that supports the skin of the building and allows for a better perception of the rhythm of the structure and the simple fitting of the wooden elements.
Rainwater is collected through every other column and the electricity is distributed in the same way. Air conditioning equipment is located on the roof.
The building is enveloped by two different materials: translucent polycarbonate in the upper half and a white metal plate in the lower one.
The result is a 15x 15m square shaped plan with a ceiling height of 7,5m.
An Isamu Noguchi's pendant punctuates the double symmetry of the space and explores its vertical and cubic dimension. Contrasting with the “straightness” of the metal structure of Vol.A and the brutalist exposed concrete of Vol.B, Vol.C seems to float off the ground gently, like a Japanese lantern. The extreme symmetry and rationality of the design, the combination of the wood with the translucent envelope gives the space a monastic air.
The furniture exhíbited in the interior of the building takes center stage while the architecture supports it.
During the day, the shadows of surrounding trees are projected onto the façade, bringing the poetic movement of light and nature into the inner space. At night the building illuminates the surroundings.
Credits
São Paulo
Brasil
Micasa
02/2018
230 mq
Marcio Kogan
marcio tanaka
all'e engenharia
carpinteria estruturas de madeira
Fernando Guerra
Curriculum
Studio MK27 located in the chaotic city of São Paulo was founded in the late 70’s by architect Marcio Kogan and today is comprised of 30 architects and various collaborators worldwide. The architects of the team, great admirers of the Brazilian modernism generation, seek to fulfill the task of rethinking and giving continuity to this iconic architectural movement. The projects of Studio MK27 place value on formal simplicity and are elaborated with extreme care and attention to details and finishings. He leads a team of architects who, for the most part, have been working with him for over a decade. Kogan is an honorary member of the AIA (American Institute of Architecture), Professor at Escola da Cidade in São Paulo and Politecnico di Milano, considered by Época magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential persons in Brazil, is part of “Wallpaper’s 150 Famous for 15 Years”, and came in 39th in Dezeen's Hot List 2017.