Superlimão took on the mission of reimagining the concept of a financial market company’s headquarters, resulting in the creation of the new office for the digital bank Stark Bank. On two corporate floors, totaling 1,240 m2, the fintech company now boasts versatile workspaces—a unque structure in the world of finance.
The headquarters are spread across two floors: the 11th floor, where workstations, formal meeting areas, video conferences, and phone booths are located; and the 20th floor, the highest in the tower, with social and collaborative spaces, as well as large areas for meetings, lectures, and even events—whether internal or social.
“The challenge was to reimagine the bank and its work routine and not make it look like a typical agency bank—because it really isn’t one anyway,” says Lula Gouveia, partner and architect of Superlimão. Stark Bank was born in the digital age, so we approached the entire project with a digital mindset,” he adds, referring to the concept, design, and execution phases.
When it comes to selecting materials, Superlimão suggested going beyond the conventional understanding of digitality, which is often associated with the pure and simple concept of technology. Lula says that they “envision a future that is closer to nature, deeply rooted in biomimetics and biophilia.” The ubiquity of plants is further enhanced by the selection of materials, such as wood and natural stones, as well as organic shapes.
Architecture also explores the concept of virtuality. On the 11th floor, mirror compositions create a parallel between the real world and the virtual world. Reflections also serve to amplify spaces and expand the views of the lush, green environment. In the bathrooms, numerous Brazilian natural stone slabs form layouts that blend nature and technology.
Stone cladding is found on the rooftop, where it forms a surface with built-in lighting that accentuates its natural patterns. Its organic design harmonizes with the furniture, designed specifically for Stark Bank’s headquarters. The oval benches, adorned with jardinières, are a perfect example of the conceptual vision: They draw inspiration from the iconic TWA Terminal, designed by Eero Saarinen in New York.
Superlimão also designed a folding table: Two wooden tops, equipped with casters, can be arranged to accommodate teams for collaborative events. When not needed, the tables can be folding away, making room for other purposes. There’s another hidden gem in the office: A secret room, reminiscent of a control room, used for meetings that require increased privacy.
Design and manufacturing technologies: Unique design, assertive execution, and agile installation.
To emphasize the technological aspect of this fintech company, Superlimão leveraged digital technologies in its design, including parameterization and generative architecture. The entire project was modeled using Grasshopper, Rhino, and the Python operating system.
Manufacturing was achieved using CNC cutting. In other words, the files generated by the software are sent directly to the cutting machine, which then cuts out the parts. This highlights other advantages of using design and manufacturing technologies: Assertive execution and agility in installation.
The highlight is the wooden slat panel, which spans the entire 20th floor, serving various purposes. This panel, designed with precision, brings together the pantry area, workbenches, and seating areas, and features rounded shapes for a touch of organic cohesion.
