Inspired by the symbolism of flight and the comfort of nests, the BTG Pactual VIP Terminal at Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, Brazil, features inverted roofs that evoke open wings, balancing formal elegance with operational clarity.
The project is a collaboration between Perkins&Will’s São Paulo studio, which led the architectural design, and Pascali Semerdjian Arquitetos, responsible for the interior design and custom furniture.
Conceived as a counterpoint to conventional airport experiences, the terminal prioritizes comfort, privacy, and meeting facilities. A solid base is pierced by a central garden that functions as both a biophilic element and a spatial organizer, structuring the check-in lounge, boarding, and disembarking areas.
Biophilic integration
Sustainability begins with the internal garden, which incorporates only native Brazilian species, including sibipiruna, white ipê, and brazilwood. This species selection responds to environmental and security considerations by avoiding plants that attract birds while supporting local biodiversity. The garden improves microclimatic comfort by reducing cooling demands in adjacent areas and offering travelers a visual and spatial connection to nature. Integrated directly into circulation routes, the greenery delivers functional clarity alongside passive environmental benefits, reinforcing a biophilic strategy aligned with low-carbon design principles.
Material strategy
Material selection was central to the terminal’s sustainability goals. Durable natural materials such as wood, stone, porcelain, and glass were selected for longevity and low maintenance. High-performance glazing improves thermal comfort and daylight while reducing energy demand. Durable porcelain flooring minimizes replacement cycles, while recyclable acoustic panels support indoor air quality and reduce resource use. Custom millwork and furniture designed for long-term performance further limit waste. Together, these material choices support low-carbon strategies through durability and the use of locally sourced timber and stone.
Passive environmental strategies
Passive strategies play a defining role in the terminal’s energy performance. Glazed facades, clerestory windows, and inverted butterfly roofs maximize daylight, reducing dependence on artificial lighting during daytime operations. Spatial zoning separates land and air functions to limit conditioned areas, while compact circulation reduces energy demand associated with mechanical systems. Together with biophilic cooling and high-performance glazing, these measures reduce operational energy demand. The result is a low-carbon operational profile achieved through architectural and material decisions rather than reliance on offset mechanisms.
Circular economy considerations
Although constructed as a new building, the terminal incorporates principles of circularity and adaptability. Modular furniture and clearly defined zoning allow lounges, private rooms, and operational areas to be reprogrammed without structural intervention. Freestanding millwork and dry-assembled panels support selective disassembly, repair, or relocation, extending product lifespans while minimizing waste. Material honesty and modular interior elements reduce demolition needs and support maintenance efficiency, reinforcing a long-term approach to resource use consistent with circular design principles.
