pedro barata adds greenery + periscope to condo entrance

pedro barata adds greenery and a periscope to condo entrance pavilion in brazil
image © joana frança

to design the ‘lake and periscope’ entrance pavilion for a condominium located in belo horizonte, brazil, pedro barata & architectural associates took into consideration three main factors: the dense fauna and flora that characterizes the area, the knowledge that because condominium houses are located on a higher level they will always look at the entrance from above, and the daily users that will cross the gates.

the project aims to shift the focus from the entrance being an obstacle for intruders to a welcoming pavilion to users
image © joana frança

the result was the transformation of the flat roof into a lake environment that solves the three main points. the ecosystem was re-established by having a green roof that invites birds to drink from the water, surrounded by plants. the view from the condominium’s houses above is now a water-mirror that reflects the open sky. as for the third point that comprises the users who use the gate, a discrete periscope was inserted on the slab’s thickness, giving them the opportunity to see through reflection and on the large window, all the water, and vegetation found on the roof.

the entrance is the first collective space of the condominium
image © joana frança

by installing a periscope, the entering user can get a view of the water in the roof
image © joana frança

the new roof aims to give back to the environment what it took from it when being placed there
image © joana frança

the green roof invites birds to drink water from the late and interact with the architecture
image © joana frança

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edited by: juliana neira | designboom