Traço Magazine highlights the architecture of NEO, a project by Studio JV in Recife

Original Publication: Traço Magazine

Neo with Portuguese architecture and Brazilian inspiration

Manuela Sousa Guerreiro

INTERNATIONAL | The latest project by architect João Vieira, Studio JV, was born in Recife, more precisely in Boa Viagem. The NEO residential project explores movement and perspective to integrate with the surrounding environment

Boa Viagem beach is a postcard of Recife. Its approximately eight kilometres of coastline are bathed by the warm waters of northeastern Brazil. Boa Viagem is also an urban beach, which in Brazil means large, tall buildings that line the city’s waterfront. It is in this context that NEO fits in, an 18-storey residential tower, whose 105 apartments, of various types including studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, are designed to take advantage of the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The project by architect João Vieira takes advantage of the size and height of the building, providing each apartment with an outdoor space. The effect is that of a three-dimensional 360° façade, which maximizes views and explores the urban and landscape context of the region. “With an architectural approach that explores the three-dimensional possibilities of façades, NEO offers unique visual settings and integrates the internal and external environment through terraces”, explains the proposal by the Portuguese architect who has been establishing his work on the other side of the Atlantic for years. In this sense, “every detail of the design reflects a modern and functional approach, while the outdoor terraces connect residents with the environment”.

In this project, João Vieira goes a little further and deconstructs the idea of ​​a concrete tower by bringing nature into the building: from the green roof to the common areas, located on the ground floor and on the 15th and 16th floors, which include carefully planned gardens and landscaping, the project promotes a balance between aesthetics and functionality. On the 15th floor, leisure areas include a gym, swimming pool and gourmet space, providing an environment for socializing and relaxing. The 16th floor offers outdoor spaces and covered areas, such as a barbecue area and a bar, ideal for socializing and events.

The main access to the building is via a paved area that connects the entrance hall to the parking lot, which has 32 spaces on the ground floor and 25 on the technical floor, including spaces for people with reduced mobility and a bicycle rack. Adapted ramps and paths ensure full accessibility.

The interiors, designed by the firm Santos & Santos Arquitetura, a project by Turíbio and Zezinho Santos, were designed to provide comfort and functionality, with layouts that optimize spaces and favor the entry of natural light. The combination of contemporary materials and quality finishes results in welcoming and elegant environments.

This is the third residential project launched by Brazilian developer To Live, with NEO being an acronym for ONE, the first project launched in 2020. The developer explains the similarities between the two projects as “quality, respect for deadlines, excellence in construction management and delivery” while also seeking “new solutions, bold projects and practices aligned with sustainability and a commitment to improving the city’s urban landscape”.

Studio JV, founded by João Vieira, is a Portuguese-Brazilian architecture office, currently present in Lisbon, Recife and Rotterdam, and with a multicultural team of 75 architects.

Technical details

Client: To Live
Location: Recife, BR
Program: Residential
Status: Building permit
Architecture: Studio JV
Project architect: Olivia Medeiros / Lilianne Dantas / Juliana Bandeira
Team: Bruno Pascal, Camila Sampaio, Alessandra Deltrejo, Bianca Cassundé, Giulia Sgarbi, Matheus dos Reis, Miguel Brito
Land area: 1,260 m²
Construction area: 5,670.00 m²
Residential area: 3,780.00 m².
Number of ground floors: 18 units
Number of dwellings: 105 units
Number of parking spaces: 57 units
Number of basements: 0