Dezeen Magazine

Office by Solo Arquitetos

Plywood and plants feature in Solo Arquitetos' studio in Brazil

Brazilian firm Solo Arquitetos has designed its own office, where plywood shelves divide the space, and accents of yellow and green enliven the simple studio.

The office is located on the top floor of a four-storey building in the downtown area of Curitiba, Brazil.

Office by Solo Arquitetos

Overlooking a tree-lined street, the workplace features floor-to-ceiling windows across its front facade, with frames that have been painted yellow.

Office by Solo Arquitetos

Solo Arquitetos designed its studio to feel cosy and natural, while honouring original details of the old space. "In a sense, our office is also our home," said the studio. "It is the result of a process, a story, and personal reflection of six young architects."

Office by Solo Arquitetos

The space comprises a large open-plan room filled with various work desks, alongside a room for meetings.

"The construction of our space results from several conditioning factors and pleasant coincidences," said Solo Arquitetos. "We did not make a detailed and delimited project for the office."

Office by Solo Arquitetos

Dividing the office is a large plywood bookshelf, that can be seen through on either side.

"We did not propose any kind of skin between the main spaces, in order to propose a wide and free work atmosphere," the firm said. "Even the meeting room is segregated by a dividing and glazed shelf, promoting visual communication between spaces."

Office by Solo Arquitetos

A foyer and sitting area is positioned at the entrance, with a small kitchen to the left and reception desk to the right. Restrooms are found on either side.

The bright and spacious room retains the dark parquet flooring made from imbuia wood.

Office by Solo Arquitetos

Other existing details that were kept include pillars and a feature wall of raw brick, which was painted white.

Plywood features predominantly in the office, used for shelving, drafting tables, and under-desk storage.

Office by Solo Arquitetos

Adding colour to the pared-back space, green lights overhead resemble vintage metal barn pendants. These subtle bright splashes match the site's lush surroundings, as well as the various indoor potted plants.

Office by Solo Arquitetos

Solo Arquitetos was formed in 2015 by six architects, who had worked together at different offices and on competition entries since 2010. The firm has also completed an office in the city for lumber company Frank Madeiras, with light wood and black accents.

More images and plans

Office by Solo Arquitetos
Floor plan
Office by Solo Arquitetos