Bontempo Showroom

In the design of the Bontempo showroom, a renowned Brazilian brand of custom-made furniture, the briefing brought us a pleasant surprise from the very beginning. Initially, we thought it would be a large store, but it is, in fact, a showroom in the purest sense. Without any sales operations, the space is entirely focused on activations and events, functioning as a hub for the brand. This space is designed not only to serve clients but also to host art exhibitions, literature, architecture, book and magazine launches, awards, and many other activities, positioning the brand in a broader and more dynamic cultural context.
The site, located on Avenida Rebouças, one of São Paulo's main thoroughfares, presented some challenges that shaped our architectural approach. Among the constraints, we had a height limit of up to 10 meters and specific setback and occupancy rate rules. Our essential proposal was to create a building that explored the staggered arrangement of planes on the upper floors and the roof, culminating in a large zenithal opening.
To ensure spacious and open areas, we adopted a hybrid structure: concrete pillars at the ends and metal beams on the roof, which support post-tensioned slabs through tie rods. This configuration allows for the creation of varied ceiling heights—single, double, and triple—depending on the overlapping of the planes, which are slightly offset in height. Independent metal walkways connect these levels, forming a dynamic circuit throughout the space.
The entrance to the showroom, facing Avenida Rebouças, is conceived as a tunnel formed by two exposed concrete planes. This narrow and dark corridor, which tells the company's history, creates a surprise effect for visitors, who, upon crossing it, find themselves in a large space filled with natural light and surrounded by gardens, a true unexpected urban oasis.
In the landscaping, we used corten steel sheets to create terracing in the front and internal gardens, a reference to contour models, which are very familiar to architects. This concept was further enhanced by the work of landscape designer Luis Carlos Orsini, who brought a harmonious and vibrant composition to the project.
The inspiration for the project was to create a multifunctional hub that goes beyond a traditional showroom, incorporating cultural elements like art, literature, architecture, and events. The design aimed to create a dynamic space within the legal constraints, such as a 10-meter height limit and specific setbacks and occupancy rates. It features staggered planes, natural light, and a surprise element in the transition from a dark entrance tunnel to a bright, garden-surrounded open area.
The Bontempo showroom project is designed as a cultural hub, not just a store. Located on São Paulo's busy Avenida Rebouças, the space features staggered floors with a zenithal opening, creating varied ceiling heights and interconnected by independent metal walkways. Accessed through a concrete tunnel, visitors transition from a dark, enclosed space to a bright, garden-surrounded oasis. The landscape design incorporates corten steel, inspired by contour models, enhancing the architectural experience.