Header: Guilherme Pucci
Casa Una is a multi-purpose facility located within Parque Una, a mixed-use urban development in Uberlândia, a city in central Brazil. Conceived as a central hub for public interaction, Casa Una was developed to support community engagement, host institutional and commercial activities, and provide a platform for cultural, educational, and social programmes.
The building was designed by MDAD Arquitetura e Design, under the leadership of architect Matheus Diniz, with interior spaces by TODOS Arquitetura. The structure encompasses a total built area of 1,060 square metres and was planned to emphasize functional adaptability, sustainable strategies, and integration with the surrounding landscape.
Casa Una contains several programmatic zones, including a reception lounge, an interactive model of the neighbourhood, a sales area for residential and commercial properties within Parque Una, and administrative offices. Additional spaces include meeting rooms, a mezzanine overlooking the park’s central lake, an open-air auditorium, and an area designated for educational activities. A food service area, called the “comedoria”, provides meals and refreshments for visitors, residents, and nearby workers.
The structure’s defining architectural element is a curved glulam (glued laminated timber) roof that extends beyond the building envelope to create shaded transitional zones between indoor and outdoor areas. The project incorporates several environmental strategies, including cross ventilation, passive cooling, and renewable construction materials.
Interior design decisions focus on material simplicity, spatial versatility, and visual connectivity. Elements such as exposed wood surfaces were chosen to strengthen the relationship between the interior and exterior environments. Furniture configurations support multiple uses, accommodating exhibitions, talks, and informal gatherings.
In 2024, Casa Una was named a finalist in the “Completed Buildings: Display” category at the World Architecture Festival in Singapore. It also received a Silver Medal in the A’ Design Award and was a finalist in the Saint-Gobain Architecture Award held in Brazil. These honours recognise the project’s commitment to contextual design, environmental performance, and social impact.
Open to the public, Casa Una serves as a focal point for interaction among residents, visitors, and institutions involved in the planning and operation of Parque Una. The facility represents an approach to integrated urban development, emphasising multifunctional spaces that enhance public life, support community programmes, and promote sustainable design practices.
