Culture in design does not always announce itself through a recognizable motif, material, or symbol. It can also be embedded in the relationships designers build, the knowledge they listen to, the materials they choose, and the decisions they make in response to communities and their environments. This distinction emerged throughout the 2026 International Design Conference […]
Renata Building and Finding New Purpose for Old Structures
Renata Building, built in 1956 by architect Oswaldo Bratke, represented the modernization of São Paulo in a way that is still recognized today. With this new retrofit, METRO Arquitetos transforms the former business tower into a residential building, bringing eco-friendly apartments to people in the city.
Martin Corullon and Gustavo Cedroni were put in charge of the retrofit and restoration. METRO Arquitetos desired to preserve the outer facade to preserve Bratke’s legacy, while at the same time creating a livable environment for downtown São Paulo.
“Renata is the stage of great meetings in São Paulo, bringing back the opportunity to share good moments in the city center,” they said.
Reinvention of the Building
Local historians define the iconic nature of the Renata Building due to its look. Its hollowed-out stone facade with the latticed cobogó frames in each of the structure’s rooms gave it a unique exterior for its time. The architects preserved most of that on the current retrofit, except for a specific problem with the original building.
In the original set-up, certain spaces in the building were inaccessible, hard to clean, and prone to the formation of bird’s nests. The architects’ solution replaced the original frames with newer ones that allowed for more room for balconies.
“As a solution, the project proposes the partial removal of existing frames and the installation of a new line of frames, composed of sliding doors and set back in relation to the original frames, now without partitions,” they said.
Another big change is the creation of a swimming pool area in the middle of the building. They added the “most visible intervention” to the building to create a playful residential environment.
Bringing Life Back
Beyond the preservation of the exteriors, the architects worked to create comfortable spaces inside. The rooms, fitted exclusively with furniture from METRO Objetos, utilize minimalistic aesthetics to create a strong sense of place for the people living in them. Many of the furnishings can easily adapt to users’ needs. The rooms’ black and white color schemes ensure a cohesive look for all units.
The retrofitted Renata Building is now a mixed-use commercial and residential building. All the rooms can be rented with a minimum two-night stay. With a desire to create a veritable hot spot for social and business meetings, the architects added new shops and services for the comfort of visitors and guests.
Parador Restaurant, which serves food and hosts musical events, was opened at the pool floor of the structure. Its unique look adds to its must-see factor, with ceilings that show fragments of the old, hollowed-out concrete frames.
Reviving the Potential of the Renata Building
Most inviting for potential guests and renters are the amenities added to the building. Beyond the swimming pool, Renata Building contains a gym and a sauna, as well as ground-floor services open from the crack of dawn to late at night.
Renata Building and its retrofit shows us that solidly-built structures can find new life even with the changing times. With care and craft from the right people, restoration finds future glories even for old buildings.
Related reading: A Fitting Retrofit: The Restoration of Manila Cathedral
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