# Continuous Vertical Gardens and Layered Planters Wrap 111 House in São Paulo Isay Weinfeld designs a four-level residence integrating lush perimeter greenery with concrete structural elements. - **Source:** [architecture archives | designboom | architecture & design magazine](https://brifing.si/source/1e716da2-18e6-4704-96a6-818e7860b99f) - **Published:** 2026-10-19 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7a4f45e2-cd41-4312-9bb1-e12a5662dc29 ## Architectural Concept and Layout Designed by Isay Weinfeld, the 111 House in São Paulo spans four levels on a compact urban plot. The layout prioritizes a full-depth garden strip along the right boundary, ensuring that living spaces and bedrooms maintain direct access to greenery. A sunken lightwell court illuminates subterranean areas, enhancing natural light and cross-ventilation. ## Structural Design and Art Gallery The residence utilizes a neutral material palette and clean geometric lines to function as a gallery for contemporary art. Perpendicular concrete wall projections on the northwest elevation act as structural brise-soleil. These elements effectively shade interior spaces from harsh afternoon sun while compartmentalizing social areas and private bedrooms across the four levels. ## Vertical Garden Integration A continuous ring of perimeter planters wraps every floor slab from the entryway to the rooftop terrace. These planters dissolve the rigid concrete boundaries of the structure as vegetation grows. This design choice transforms the building's exterior identity, allowing stems and leaves to overflow and soften the home's sharp architectural edges. ## Landscape Design Strategy Landscape designer Rodrigo Oliveira opted for fine-textured, wind-resistant, and cold-climate species rather than traditional broad-leafed tropical flora. This specific selection ensures the vegetation remains resilient while providing a delicate aesthetic. The layered foliage creates a natural privacy screen that filters light without completely isolating the residence from its surrounding urban environment. ## Project Specifications and Scale The 111 House occupies a built area of 517 square meters, complemented by 280 square meters of dedicated garden space. The project team, coordinated by Monica Cappa, included architects Felipe Zene, Nara Diniz, and Bruno Levy. Interior design efforts were led by Lucas Jimeno Dualde, Carolina Miranda, Daniela Hoffrichter, and Gabriela Chow. ## Environmental and Functional Benefits The integration of vertical gardens serves a dual purpose by providing both aesthetic value and environmental control. By filtering natural light and softening interior views, the greenery creates a tranquil atmosphere for the residents. The rooftop terrace, which includes a swimming pool, extends the garden concept to the highest point of the structure. ## Urban Contextual Adaptation Positioning the residence along the left site boundary maximizes the available footprint for the garden strip. This strategic placement addresses the challenges of a compact urban plot in São Paulo. By utilizing the right side for full-depth greenery, the design successfully balances high-density urban living with the need for private, lush outdoor spaces. ## Significance of Biophilic Design The 111 House exemplifies how biophilic design can be seamlessly woven into modern residential architecture. By treating the building as a living, growing entity, the architects have created a sustainable model for urban housing. This project demonstrates that structural concrete and organic plant life can coexist to enhance both privacy and comfort. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.designboom.com/architecture/continuous-vertical-gardens-layered-planters-111-house-sao-paulo-isay-weinfeld-rodrigo-oliveira/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._