UNStudio has shared its design for the new EZ Parque da Cidade apartment complex in São Paulo. Built at approximately 883,200 square feet, the building incorporates unique rotated windmill-shaped floor plans and series of eight intertwined sky gardens.

Each of its four apartment types has a 19.5-foot-deep terrace that comprises up to 25% of the unit size. Approximately one-third (31%) of the complex’s surface is made permeable to mitigate the effects of urban heat island, which is a growing problem in the city whose urban footprint has been expanded by 40% over the last 30 years. São Paulo, which is pursuing a new mini forest initiative, will benefit from the addition of 83 new trees 

At the complex’s ground level, the firm established a pavilions-in-the-park concept that contributed to its overall placemaking strategy, encouraging a healthy and more active lifestyle based around community engagement. A linear park connects with the development to further benefit the health and recreation of its users.

UNStudio says the entire development follows the principle of "building local." All materials used for construction are locally sourced, and the building itself used a hybrid concrete mix made made from recycled industrial byproducts in the foundation and underground levels of the building to achieve a 55% reduction embodied carbon. Additionally, 95.3% of the construction waste was recycled.

UNStudio’s Ben van Berkel said: "Completing our first large-scale project in São Paulo is incredibly exciting due to its groundbreaking sustainable features. Achieving HQE-AQUA and being the first development in South America to receive LEED-ND Neighbourhood pre-certification for its impact on the neighbourhood in terms of community, health and local sustainability underscores our commitment and sets a new standard for future developments in Brazil."