Harmonia 1250 also rethinks the traditional model of ‘buildings that look like a box’, which dominates the property market in Brazil. Instead of closed constructions that are turned inwards by definition, Triptyque has created an open structure that is connected to the outside offering multiple views.

This project reorganises the basic elements of rationalist constructions (stairs, elevators, corridors, toilets, etc.) according to themes: relationship with the urban space, with the soil; quality of ventilation, view and lighting of apartments and workspaces; indoor and outdoor integration.

The irregularly-shaped land where Harmonia was constructed, composed of several small pre-existing lots, inspired the creation of a building with two protruding ends joined by an elongated body that works like a walkway, connecting both sides to a central area with vertical circulation.

The upper floors, intended for residential use, have different materiality, evidencing the existence of a mixed programme.

With a vertical arrangement of stores, offices and residential apartments, Harmonia 1250 is located in the bustling Vila Madalena neighbourhood and foreshadows a new generation of mixed-use buildings in São Paulo.

The ground floor is visually permeable and behaves like an active facade crossed by several accesses. On each floor, the internal spaces extend to the outside in direct continuity, offering a view of the extraordinary urban panorama of the city.

Harmonia’s office fronts are, in fact, terraces protected by metallic brise soleils and a vegetal layer, forming a skin that covers and protects the building while keeping it ‘breathable’ and open to the city. Meanwhile, the plant pots placed on the facades are irrigated by an integrated drip system that is designed to ensure low water consumption.