Author: Valentina Martín Millán
Architect graduated from the Javeriana University of Cali, Colombia. She is passionate about architecture, interior design, illustration and nature. Seeking to build a more sensitive world for everyone.
WORK NAME: Temporary Stores.
ARCHITECTS: Guto Requena Studio.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Leonardo Finotti.
LOCATION: Sao Paulo, Brazil.
YEAR: 2023
M2: 84.52 m2
It is clear to everyone that global warming is something that is happening right now. Before, warming occurred due to natural factors. However, since the 19th century, human activities have been the main factor in the increase in the earth's temperature. Construction being one of the main causes of this behavior.
According to the UN, “The use of primary resources is expected to double by 2060, with steel, concrete and cement being primarily responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. “The materials used in building construction already represent around 9% of total CO2 emissions related to energy consumption.”
This means that the emissions associated with the materials used and the construction processes are very high and are harming the environment. However, there is a chance for the construction sector to reduce its impact by focusing on finding alternative materials that create a smaller footprint on the environment.
And it is in the center of Sao Paulo, Brazil, in the middle of the Trianon Park, where we can find a small structure that is committed to the idea of building with alternative materials. The Nestlé brand gave the task to the architecture studio Guto Requena to build a small sales module that met two premises: being innovative and sustainable.
The Guto Requena Studio Temporary Tents, this sales module, which was designed for the launch of the new line of the Dolce Gusto Neo brand, constitutes the first construction in Latin America made from algorithms and manufactured with 3D printing, using biodegradable materials. They used recycled plastic, extracted from the ocean, to manufacture the machines that would build the module and biodegradable material in the composition of the structure. The Flagship Dolce Gusto Neo, as it is known, was conceived to be installed in a public area in order to be accessible to everyone, showing visitors biodegradable architecture made with 3D printing.
The main premise of the project was sustainability. The module is made up of a prefabricated structure made of laminated pine wood, which is reforestation wood. This structure is surrounded by a frame built with 3D printed molds, allowing the structure to be lightweight.
And just as the construction of the Flagship was important, so was the planning of the reverse engineering of the module. The main materials used were wood and plaster. After two years, it is planned to dismantle the module, reusing the wood and using the gypsum as agricultural fertilizer; since it provides nutrients, such as calcium and sulfur, to the soil.
Regarding its peculiar shape, the architects were inspired by the coffee flower. This module is structured as a dome with five axes, where each one is marked with a glass portico, allowing the module to have 360° visual and physical permeability, both inside and with the surrounding green exterior of the park. . It ends up being a module that has no facade or background.
As for its interior, the architects took advantage of its internal structure to organize the store program, where we can see that they use the supports as display areas for the products. These five exhibition areas form a circular axis of digital content, creating visual integration for buyers. Furthermore, we can see that on the roof of the module there is a glass zenith opening that allows light to pass through, contributing to the creation of a peculiar atmosphere, helped by its organic shape.