Architecture firm Leinemann & Ortiz has unveiled Solum, a groundbreaking garden-office building in Cuiabá, Brazil, that draws inspiration from the natural ventilation systems of termite mounds. The innovative project represents the first phase of the ambitious GS Headquarters masterplan, designed to transform an arid urban site into a thriving ecosystem that seamlessly blends workspace with public green space.
The Solum building introduces a revolutionary approach to urban architecture by incorporating native flora and creating habitats that attract local birds and small wildlife alongside daily office visitors. The mixed-use structure houses commercial floors, co-working spaces, restaurants, a fitness center, and event venues, all organized around a central public park. This design philosophy allows work and leisure activities to flow naturally into one another while supporting a diverse community of users throughout the day.
The architects at Leinemann & Ortiz took direct inspiration from termite mounds' self-ventilating structures to create an energy-efficient cooling system. A tall central atrium serves as a shaded chimney that channels air throughout the building, enhancing cross-ventilation and significantly reducing heat gain. This passive cooling system creates a more comfortable microclimate, encouraging people to spend time outdoors even during Cuiabá's notoriously intense heat periods.
The building employs an environmentally conscious hybrid construction method combining cross-laminated timber with concrete, which reduces embodied carbon while maintaining structural integrity and efficiency. This sustainable material strategy aligns with the broader environmental objectives of the GS Headquarters masterplan and establishes a new precedent for green building practices in the region.
As the inaugural structure in a planned trio of buildings, Solum sets the architectural tone for the entire development, which is being led by Victor Ortiz in collaboration with Obreval Arquitetura. The completed masterplan will feature three mixed-use towers that together create a self-sustaining urban ecosystem, anchored by a central lake designed to moderate temperatures and provide a tranquil environment for both workers and visitors.
Inside the building, the central atrium provides filtered natural sunlight and establishes direct visual connections to the surrounding gardens, while offices and public areas open onto shaded outdoor terraces. This carefully planned spatial sequence reinforces the experience of working within a natural landscape, framing views of native plantings and the evolving cityscape beyond. The design creates multiple layers of interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces, blurring traditional boundaries between built and natural environments.
With its biomimetic ventilation strategy and thoughtfully integrated public amenities, the Solum project demonstrates how contemporary architecture can actively restore ecological balance while creating functional modern workplaces. As the GS Headquarters masterplan continues to advance, this pioneering first building signals a significant shift toward resilient, nature-integrated urban design principles in Brazil, potentially influencing sustainable development practices across the region.
