A historical icon of architecture, the Virgínia Building , designed by architect Augusto Bellucci in 1951, has seen times of glory and decadence. Initially, the modernist building was made up of high and mid-range residential apartments , but over the years it also became used for commercial purposes. The apartments became commercial spaces and, little by little, the modernist building was lost in the São Paulo landscape, becoming completely empty in 2019. (Rafael d'Andrea/CASACOR)
With the retrofit project already underway, led by the developer SomaUma , the building's history, such as its high ceilings, balconies and large windows, will be preserved , while at the same time adapting to contemporary living standards . While the façade will be restored to maintain its original features, the interiors will undergo a makeover that will reflect a contemporary lifestyle, while maintaining the symbiosis of the building with the surrounding environment . (Rafael d'Andrea/CASACOR)
Located in downtown São Paulo, Virgínia has easy access to parks, restaurants, theaters and offices, and comprises 47 original apartments. With the retrofit , there will be 121 units, with sizes ranging from 26 m² to 182 m² . (Rafael d'Andrea/CASACOR)
The commitment to sustainability is evident in the reuse of the existing structure. In the interior design, original parquet floors will be restored in all apartments. The kitchen and bathroom countertops will be created from the residue from the internal demolitions, promoting reuse and reducing waste. (Rafael d'Andrea/CASACOR)
The roof of the Virgínia Building will be a unique meeting point, offering panoramic views of various points of the city. A grove of fruit trees and native palm trees will be planted, along with a sustainable restaurant with independent access. (Rafael d'Andrea/CASACOR)
The retrofit project features architecture by Metrópole Arq , landscaping by Carla Oldemburg , and interior design by Vitor Penha. To connect Álvaro de Carvalho and Martins Fontes streets, an amphitheater will also be created, with artistic interventions by Nitsche Arquitetos . The apartments will be sold by the real estate agency Refúgios Urbanos. (Rafael d'Andrea/CASACOR)
