A Landmark of Community and Sustainability in Uberlândia

Located in the heart of Parque Una, a dynamic mixed-use urban development in Uberlândia, Brazil, Casa Una stands as a model for multifunctional design and community-centered architecture. Developed as a central hub for public engagement, this facility seamlessly blends institutional, commercial, and cultural uses to foster interaction and enrich local urban life.

Photo credit: Guilherme Pucci

Photo credit: Guilherme Pucci

Photo credit: Guilherme Pucci

Designed by MDAD Arquitetura e Design, led by architect Matheus Diniz, with interiors by TODOS Arquitetura, Casa Una spans 1,060 square meters. The project emphasizes flexibility, sustainability, and strong integration with its surrounding environment. Its architecture is defined by a striking curved glulam (glued laminated timber) roof that extends beyond the building to create shaded, semi-open zones that transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Photo credit: Guilherme Pucci

Photo credit: Guilherme Pucci

Photo credit: Roberta Gewehr

Casa Una’s interior layout is structured around several key programmatic areas: a welcoming reception lounge, a scale model of the neighborhood, sales zones for residential and commercial properties, and administrative offices. Additional spaces include meeting rooms, a mezzanine overlooking the central lake of Parque Una, an open-air auditorium, and dedicated educational areas. The "comedoria," or food service area, offers meals and refreshments for visitors, residents, and workers from the surrounding community.

Photo credit: Roberta Gewehr

Photo credit: Roberta Gewehr

Photo credit: Guilherme Pucci

Sustainability lies at the core of the project’s design. Casa Una utilizes natural cross ventilation and passive cooling techniques, along with renewable construction materials, to reduce its environmental impact. Interior design choices reflect a minimalist, functional ethos, favoring exposed wood finishes and adaptable furniture to allow for events ranging from exhibitions to informal gatherings. Visual continuity between indoor and outdoor areas reinforces the building’s connection to nature.

Photo credit: Guilherme Pucci

Photo credit: Guilherme Pucci

Photo credit: Guilherme Pucci

Casa Una has garnered significant recognition in the architectural world. In 2024, it was a finalist in the "Completed Buildings: Display" category at the prestigious World Architecture Festival in Singapore. It also earned a Silver Medal from the A' Design Award and was a finalist in Brazil’s Saint-Gobain Architecture Award. These accolades underscore the building's innovative approach to contextual design, environmental stewardship, and social relevance.

Photo credit: Guilherme Pucci

Photo credit: Guilherme Pucci

Photo credit: Guilherme Pucci

As a publicly accessible space, Casa Una plays a vital role in the life of Parque Una. It brings together residents, visitors, and institutional stakeholders, reflecting a vision of urban development that prioritizes community engagement, sustainability, and multifunctional use. More than just a building, Casa Una exemplifies a thoughtful, human-centered approach to modern urban planning.

Matheus Diniz Architecture and Design (MDAD)

Matheus Diniz Architecture and Design is a Brazilian architecture firm recognized for its innovative and context-sensitive designs. Founded and led by architect Matheus Diniz, the studio integrates architecture, urbanism, and sustainability, with a strong focus on creating meaningful connections between people and spaces. With a portfolio that spans residential, commercial, institutional, and urban projects, MDAD is known for its elegant use of natural materials, structural clarity, and commitment to environmental performance. The firm's work often explores the relationship between built form and landscape, prioritizing light, spatial fluidity, and human-scale experiences.