BRADCO Industrial Unit / Em Paralelo Studio

© Ivo Tavares Studio

Completed in 2020 and designed by Portuguese Architecture practice Em Paralelo Studio, BRADCO is located in the industrial area of Felgueiras, in the municipality of Castelo de Paiva.

BRADCO Industrial Unit Technical Information

• Architects¹: Em Paralelo Studio
• Location: Castelo de Paiva, Portugal
• Topics: Granite, Office, Industrial Architecture
• Area: 5.500 m²
• Project Year: 2020
• Photographs: © Ivo Tavares Studio

An “extension of the landscape” was attempted by making two circular slits in the slab so that the vegetation on the lower floor would reach upwards.

– Em Paralelo Studio

BRADCO Industrial Unit Photographs

© Ivo Tavares Studio

© Ivo Tavares Studio

© Ivo Tavares Studio

© Ivo Tavares Studio

© Ivo Tavares Studio

© Ivo Tavares Studio

© Ivo Tavares Studio

© Ivo Tavares Studio

Text by the Architects

The company finds its genesis in the leather goods area. However, over the years, it has also expanded its activity to bracelets and in the leather goods area: belts, bags, briefcases, purses, wallets, shoes, etc.

It is currently a notorious company for also working with renowned brands.

With this project, it was mainly intended the increase in both production and number of employees, and consequently stimulating employment and the regional economy, becoming this way, a more autonomous Industrial Unit and with total freedom for future growth.

The building is characterized by 2 floors, which in their entirety have different characteristics. It comes down to a pure rectangular shape in which, roughly speaking, its center comprises the entire production area. On three of its sides (north, east, and south) are located the rooms and offices, and other spaces necessary for its correct functioning.

The entire production area’s standout point is its zenithal roof (sawtooth roof), providing constant stretches of natural light that diffuse during the day, thanks to its north orientation.

The administration offices were designed facing south, for the most privileged side of the Industrial Unit, where all the mass landscape that best characterizes this land and territory is concentrated.

Since this is the most privileged side of the building, regarding the outdoor landscape, we opted for the design of a balcony that comprises all this side, so it would benefit the above-mentioned offices and a great spot to invite clients for a small relaxing break.

Still focusing on the relevance of the balcony and all the surrounding landscape, an “extension of the landscape” was attempted by making two circular slits in the slab so that the vegetation on the lower floor would reach upwards. There is also a stone staircase that connects the balcony to the lower floor.

The basement floor is the main entrance to the building. Here we find two key areas: the entrance hall and one of the meeting rooms. Unlike the top floor, which occupies the entire shape of the installation (rectangle), this floor occupies only part of it, mainly for morphological reasons—this floor benefits from direct sunlight from the south, east and west sides.

The balcony also has an important role on the entrance floor, providing shade to this area. A leisure space for recreation and landscape contemplation embellished by a solid stone bench that also works as a landmark for the surroundings. Neighboring this bench, we have a green area punctuated by two cypress trees that rise through two circular holes and connect with the balcony, presenting more dynamism and different light types.

As requested by the client from the beginning, the intention was not to link the Industrial Unit’s image to a mere “warehouse” but rather an architectural landmark that would represent the brand in the best possible way in the municipality.

As the north façade does not provide an entry point to the building, it was used to create a more dynamic representation of the brand “BRADCO” since the main entrance is located on the opposite side (south). For that reason, the north façade works as a showcase for those who pass by. Granite, a typical stone from this region, was used to cover some of the wall sections.

BRADCO Industrial Unit Plans

Section

Ground Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

BRADCO Industrial Unit Image Gallery

About Em Paralelo Studio

Em Paralelo Studio is an Architecture Office managed by a duo of architects registered at the INPI (National Institute of Industrial Property, Portugal). Em Paralelo​ establishes itself as a reference in the world of architecture, design, and image.

1. Principles: Cristina Vaz Santos and Paulo Rodrigues

[cite]