When designing Mansa, our intention was to create something that would not only occupy the lot but enhance it. From the beginning, we sought inspiration in Uruguayan architecture, which we deeply admire for its sophisticated simplicity.
Global Design & Architecture Design Awards 2025
First Award | Housing (Over 5 Floor) (Concept)
Project Name: Mansa
Category: Housing (Over 5 Floor) (Concept)
Studio Name: OSPA Arquitetura e Urbanismo
Design Team:
PARTNER IN CHARGE | Carolina Corrêa
PROJECT LEADER | Guilherme Silva
SPECIALISTS | Carolina Flach Souza Pinto, Cristiano Carneiro, Franco Miotto.
ARCHITECTURE | Guilherme Silva, Guilherme Carlos, Bruna Corrêa, Luigi Pedrollo.
ENVIRONMENTAL GRAPHIC DESIGN | Guilherme Silva, Livia Koeche.
INTERIOR DESIGN | Guilherme Silva, Livia Koeche, Paula Barcellos, Carolina Marques.
LANDSCAPE | Guilherme Silva, Livia Koeche, Paula Barcellos, Carolina Marques.
Area: 7.375,79 sqm
Year: 2021 – 2024
Location: Porto Alegre, RS, BR
Render Credits: Blackhaus
We worked with a controlled color palette and materials that conveyed this essence: exposed concrete, with its solidity and presence; wood, which adds warmth and texture; and glass, which enhances transparency and connection with the outdoors. Our goal was to create a façade that is both striking and discreet, with clean lines and precise proportions, reflecting a balance between strength and lightness.
For us, this project is an example of how contemporary architecture can reinterpret regional influences and transform them into a timeless, functional design that is genuinely integrated with its surroundings. For instance, the wooden brise-soleils, in addition to contributing to the façade’s aesthetics, were designed to modulate natural light and create more comfortable indoor environments. The building’s cantilevered overhangs are balconies that wrap around the living area and offer unobstructed views.
The grass vegetation lining the path from the sidewalk creates a smooth transition between the urban space and the residential environment. The stone flooring, which begins on the sidewalk and continues into the building, reinforces this continuity, guiding both the eye and footsteps to the entrance hall. Upon entering, the double-height ceiling spatially connects the ground floor to the common areas on the second floor. We wanted this space to be more than just a passageway; it is an invitation to explore the building.
The second floor was designed as an elevated plaza with glass enclosures that define the condominium’s shared spaces without isolating them. We envisioned a gourmet lounge that opens onto lush landscaping. The outdoor barbecue area, firepit, and playground were designed for different moments of social interaction, always in contact with the surrounding neighborhood’s nature. Finally, on the rooftop, the pool is the highlight. With stunning views of the city, it offers a leisure space that connects residents to the horizon.
For the apartments, our priority was to create spaces that provide a fluid and connected living experience. The living area, with its integrated layout combining the kitchen, dining, and living rooms, is the heart of the home. The large corner windows enhance the sense of continuity between the interior and exterior, extending the apartment beyond its own boundaries.
