Refúgios Urbanos

Marcello Orsi

• Arquitectos

Located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Vila Madalena, a São Paulo neighborhood known for its artistic and welcoming spirit, Refúgios Urbanos' new headquarters promises to reflect the company's purpose: to be a true refuge from the fast pace of São Paulo. The office, located in a Triptyque building built by Idea!Zarvos, was designed to offer comfort and welcome, connecting clients and employees to the essence of the brand.

photo_credit Marcello Orsi — Marcello Orsi

The partnership between architect Almiro Dias, from Almiro Dias Arquitetos, and architect Tatiane Waileman, who designed the interiors, resulted in an environment that welcomes, inspires and reflects the real estate company's commitment to its values. With a layout that favors fluid circulation and external views, the project sought to offer an experience in which everyone would feel at home.

With an internal area of 200m² and an external area of 286m², the architecture favors tranquillity and accessibility, with the advantage of being on a street where parking is easy. A highlight of the entrance is the double-height bookcase housing a collection of books on São Paulo, architecture and design - a tribute to the city and the history that shapes the company.

Another striking element is the suspended concrete table, inspired by São Paulo's brutalist architecture, which contrasts with the wood vinyl flooring. In the center of the space, the open kitchen was designed as a meeting point that evokes the warmth of a home - one of the pillars of the brand's philosophy.

"The premise was clear: to create an environment that differed from a traditional office and was reminiscent of the comfort of home. The project offers visitors a breather from the city, but without losing the connection with urban dynamism," explains Tatiane.

Every detail of the new headquarters, which also has a room for podcasts, was designed to reinforce the connection with São Paulo. In the bathrooms, stickers depict maps of the city's regions, and the color palette of blue, orange and terracotta refers to the brand's visual identity. Works of art and furniture from the collection of Matteo Gavazzi, the founding partner, and from clients complete the decor and give the space personality.

"I wanted a home-like headquarters and a cozy living room where we can create memories together. A large kitchen, perfect for receiving the ‘family’, and a beautiful garden, ideal for parties, which becomes a vibrant square for events and internal celebrations, integrating everyone in an atmosphere of fraternization," says Matteo.