Rising in discussions about the future of civil construction and cities,
engineered wood is at the heart of Ibá, a recently launched residential project in São Paulo with seven floors, which
is set to be the tallest building in Brazil ever constructed with the material. With architectural and interior design by Estúdio BG – led by architects Antonio Brandão and Murilo Gabriele – the building is expected to begin construction at the end of this year and has a
delivery forecast by 2028. Therefore, it may also be the second wooden building in the residential segment (the Arvoredo project by construction company Noah, also in the capital, with four floors, is already under construction and is expected to be completed in the first half of next year).
Ibá – a word in Tupi that means "fruit" – will have a
hybrid structure, combining traditional construction systems (especially concrete) with engineered wood supplied by partner Urbem, a pioneer in Brazil. "Technically, it would be possible to build the entire building, except for the foundation, using only wood. But we saw in this combination a way to
cross barriers in the construction market, which still holds some prejudices. It is a choice that is part of the
tropicalization of technology process," states architect Ana Belizário, a specialist in engineered wood and commercial director of Urbem.
Architecture for greener cities
In terms of projects, engineered wood is considered a
robust, industrialized, renewable raw material and a low-carbon, less impactful alternative, as it provides construction with very low waste generation and a cleaner, more efficient, and safer worksite. In the Estúdio BG project, the material is combined with passive strategies that reduce electricity consumption, such as a ventilated facade with solar brise-soleil, cross ventilation, natural thermal comfort, and intelligent use of lighting.
"We spent two years of hard work to realize this project that will break a paradigm for the city. Its hybrid structure, in wood and concrete, required more time for studies and adaptations," states architect Murilo Gabriele. According to him, it is a
very innovative endeavor for the entire construction chain.
Additionally, in the apartments, Gabriele emphasizes that the strong presence of wood will create
biophilic spaces, where there is a greater connection with nature, promoting the well-being of individuals in an extremely urban context. The integrated landscaping, designed by Rodrigo Oliveira, reinforces this interaction, with textures, volumes, and species that
transform the residential area into a natural refuge in the middle of the metropolis.
Moreover, the development will be built in Jardim Paulista, a prestigious and tree-filled area of the city, just 300 meters from Ibirapuera Park and close to Faria Lima and Juscelino Kubitschek avenues, allowing future residents a
more sustainable urban mobility between work, leisure, and personal life. The project's promise, which presents only seven apartments, one per floor, is to unite high-standard architecture, design, sustainability, well-being, and connection with nature – with amenities such as a spa with hot tub and sauna, gym, bicycle storage, vehicle elevator, and three levels of underground parking.
Expanding market
Entrepreneur Pedro Diniz is the main investor in the project, which is a realization of Comporta Family Office. The construction company responsible for executing the work will be defined soon. "Currently, the residential is high-end, but we believe in the growth of this market and in the
proliferation of wooden buildings for mid-range and even popular houses in the coming years," says Murilo Gabriele. For those concerned about material maintenance and structural safety, he shares: "
It is a high-tech material that undergoes a super treatment and applications that keep the wood more protected, allowing for almost zero maintenance."
When it comes to cost, Ana Belizário states that a building of this type is more expensive, but brings
significant advantages. "Industrialized material costs more because it incorporates a lot of technology, but it is crucial to weigh this assessment, including the benefits it brings, such as
reduction in construction time, which is an important issue for the market, in addition to savings on finishes, since the wood can remain exposed in all units. Additionally, it only requires a team of five to eight trained people to assemble everything," she points out.
In the near future, it is possible that we will see more and more buildings of this kind, especially with the entry of new companies specialized in the material – for now, the suppliers do not exceed ten different companies in Brazil. "
It is a seed that is likely to grow significantly; it is no longer possible to work without alternative materials. The whole world is thinking about this," concludes Murilo Gabriele, keeping an eye on what comes next.
