Designed by the São Paulo-based practice Estúdio Leonardo Zanatta, the Tess Pavilion is located in São Paulo's residential Brooklin neighborhood and serves as both a commercial space and a venue for cultural exhibitions. Its architecture, inspired by the form of a harp and the geometric principles of Russian Suprematism, is an exercise in structural economy. Beyond its outlook, the pavilion is a case study in integrated sustainability, where design, material selection, and construction processes were intrinsically linked to a low-carbon philosophy.
The pavilion's environmental performance is shaped by its passive thermal efficiency. The main design element—a large, cantilevered roof—is detached from the volumes, allowing continuous ventilation and permanent shading. The building's openings are placed to optimize natural light and airflow, reducing heat gain in summer while admitting sunlight in winter.
Structure and spatial composition
The rhythmic metal structure, composed of slender columns and tension elements, was inspired by a harp, serving as an organizing framework for the space. The structure is left exposed, without cladding, highlighting the building's construction with formal economy. The roof, with long cantilevers, creates shaded transition zones between inside and outside.
The arrangement of volumes beneath the roof was influenced by Russian Suprematism, emphasising the juxtaposition of geometric shapes in varying orientations. This influence guides the fragmented positioning of volumes beneath an open grid, giving the ensemble a dynamic reading. The result allows for multiple perceptions of the building as one moves around it.
Urban setting
In Brooklin, a mostly residential neighborhood, the pavilion adopts a horizontal layout that respects the surrounding low-rise context. The design avoids heavy volumes and prioritizes visual permeability, creating a discreet and welcoming architectural presence. The project reads as light and restrained, integrating into the urban fabric.
Materials and construction
Beyond structural steel, the Tess Pavilion combines several materials and techniques. The modular steel components were fabricated off-site with digital manufacturing to reduce errors and waste. For finishes, FSC-certified Cumaru hardwood flooring was sourced locally to minimize transport impacts.
A reflective roofing membrane helps mitigate the urban heat island effect, while recyclable polycarbonate panels allow material recovery at the end of the building’s life. The project also used low-VOC water-based paints and upcycled plastic panels, demonstrating a commitment to more sustainable products.
Although initially planned as a commercial space, the building was also designed to host rotating cultural exhibitions, functioning as mixed-use urban infrastructure. The pavilion proposes an accessible space for the community, combining public and private functions without hierarchy. It acts as an activator of urban space, with the potential to host art, commerce, and social interaction.
