Laurent Troost transforms historic mansion in Manaus into a co-working space
The 125-year-old building has had its memories and original elements carefully preserved
By Redação
Updated at Apr 12, 2021, 9:38 AM - Submitted at Apr 12, 2021, 10:00 AM
08 min de leitura
(Joana França/)
(Joana França / CASACOR)
Named Casarão da Inovação Cassina , the 125-year-old building in Manaus, capital of the state of Amazonas, which was carefully revitalized by the studio Laurent Troost Architecture, now functions as a co-working space, a shared workspace.The building totals 1,586 square meters , distributed over four levels. The facades were cleaned and great care was taken to preserve the original elements, such as the plaster made from red sandstone powder pigment.
(Joana França / CASACOR)
The studio chose to preserve the building's exterior brick walls , along with the remaining stone foundation walls. The interior was reconstructed using a prefabricated steel system and a glazed roof volume.
(Joana França / CASACOR)
A tropical garden has been planted in a triple-height space just inside the front door. “The building houses a lush garden behind the main façade, creating its own microclimate ,” the studio said. “A walkway crosses the void over the garden, remembering one of the intrinsic reasons for Manaus: the Amazon rainforest ."
(Joana França / CASACOR)
(Joana França / CASACOR)
On the roof, there is a restaurant with panoramic views of the city's historic center and the Rio Negro. Large roof eaves covered in ipê wood - also known as Brazilian walnut - help to shade the structure.
(Joana França / CASACOR)
About the building
The building is located in an emerging digital district in the city. Its name was chosen through a public vote organized by the municipality, which owns the building.
(Joana França / CASACOR)
Its original structure was built in the late 1890s to house the luxurious Hotel Cassina , owned by an Italian named Andrea Cassina. After a financial crisis devastated the area, the building became a gambling and prostitution venue called the Slipper Cabaret. .
(Joana França / CASACOR)
It closed around 1960 and began to deteriorate. Over the decades, the interior collapsed and vegetation took over the building , resulting in a striking visual image that architect Laurent Troost wanted to pay homage to in some way.
