perkins&will pairs bamboo with green-toned corten steel for living block’s facade in brazil

Perkins&Will composes a multi-family complex in Ubatuba

Bambu Atmosfera is a multi-family residential complex in Ubatuba, São Paulo, designed by Perkins&Will. The project integrates architecture, landscape, and shared amenities while emphasizing local materials, passive environmental strategies, and community-oriented spaces within Brazil’s Atlantic Forest coastline. Located on a flat site between the ocean and rainforest, the development responds to a humid tropical climate characterized by high solar exposure and frequent rainfall. The design uses climate and landscape as primary drivers, prioritizing natural ventilation, shading, and daylight to support thermal comfort and reduce reliance on mechanical systems.

The building is organized in a U-shaped configuration, allowing natural light and cross-ventilation while opening views toward the sea from each apartment. At the center of the complex, a landscaped internal plaza planted with native vegetation and bamboo functions as both a social and environmental core. An open atrium introduces vertical transparency between floors, while elevated walkways connect the building’s wings and encourage circulation through shared spaces. A secondary atrium leads to the Sky Garden, a rooftop terrace designed as a communal landscape. This level includes a multifunctional pavilion used for events and wellness activities, extending shared space upward while providing views across the Atlantic Forest and coastline. These spatial strategies combine circulation, greenery, and passive environmental control throughout the building.

all images by Pablo Castro

Bambu Atmosfera focuses on sustainability and local labor

The residential program spans 6,000 sqm across five floors and includes 50 apartments ranging from 62 to 110 sqm. Units are designed to provide comparable spatial quality regardless of size and incorporate flexible layouts that accommodate different household arrangements. At ground level, garden units and common areas create a transition between private residences and shared outdoor spaces. Circulation is organized through a central lobby, stairways, and three elevators to support accessibility and clear wayfinding. Shared amenities include a fitness space, laundry facilities, swimming pools, and an on-site market. Mobility infrastructure provides 80 parking spaces and 50 bicycle spaces, supporting a combination of vehicular access and pedestrian movement within the complex.

Material selection plays a central role in the architectural identity of the project. Giant bamboo is used extensively throughout the building, appearing in facade shading devices, floors, ceilings, cabinetry, furniture, gates, handrails, and decorative panels. The design team at Perkins&Will pairs these elements with green-toned corten steel and concrete, establishing a material palette that combines structural durability with natural textures. Beyond its visual presence, bamboo contributes to construction efficiency due to its light weight and flexibility. All bamboo components were sourced, treated, transported, and installed by local artisans at Sarkiss Bamboo, reinforcing regional craft knowledge and reducing transportation distances. This approach links the material strategy to local economic activity while maintaining shorter supply chains.

Bambu Atmosfera by Perkins&Will is located in Ubatuba along Brazil’s Atlantic Forest coastline

integrating architecture, landscape, and community

Landscape and public spaces extend the project’s relationship with the surrounding community. Native planting, shaded walkways, and the central plaza create outdoor environments that support daily activities, while the rooftop pavilion provides additional space for communal events and gatherings. Through the integration of passive climate strategies, local materials, and shared spatial infrastructure, Bambu Atmosfera, developed by Perkins&Will, establishes a residential environment that connects building, landscape, and community within the ecological context of the Atlantic Forest.

the multi-family complex integrates architecture, landscape, and shared amenities

every apartment opens toward views of the ocean and surrounding landscape

the development includes 50 apartments ranging from 62 to 110 sqm

the project responds to a humid tropical climate with passive design strategies

the U-shaped building form maximizes natural light and cross-ventilation

the building sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding rainforest

bamboo and tropical planting create shaded environments

bamboo and steel finished define the architectural language of the building

amenities include fitness spaces, pools, laundry facilities, and an on-site market

a large infinity pool blends with the horizon and ocean views

project info:

name: Bambu Atmosfera

architect: Perkins&Will | @perkinswill_br

location: Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil

photographer: Pablo Castro | @pcastrophoto