The Big Challenges in Designing the Tiny Shop Desinchá Flagship by Superlimão

Unexpectedly, the small 16-square-meter shop on Oscar Freire street, in the heart of São Paulo, Brazil, acted as the answer to the great challenge from the client to the architect. The Superlimão architecture studio was tasked with designing the Desinchá Flagship into a store full of great experiences but still had to show selling points.

Desinchá Flagship by Superlimão.

The task felt even more challenging when it was realized that the only best solution was to create a vertically growing design. However, Superlimão did not want this design to end like other outlets that also have facades extending upwards. Therefore, for starters, the face of this store is designed to give the effect of visual confusion through the kinetic façade. The arrangement of hollow concrete bricks containing aluminum sheets slowly creates a smooth movement due to the encouragement of the wind, which can invite the curiosity of visitors. Without realizing it, the appearance of the Desinchá Flagship also seems to imitate the wave of the treetops that form a shadow when exposed to sunlight.

The kinetic facade of Desinchá Flagship.

More closely, the appearance of the Desinchá Flagship, which shows its conventional side, is inevitable. But, Superlimão again tries to bring a different experience to each ender who has just entered this store. While on the ground floor of the shop, which is bathed in sunlight and surrounded by many plants, visitors will be greeted by a wide staircase ready to take a tour. Tour to explore the diversity of ingredients from Desinchá's products and the presentation of its magic potions.

The ground floor of the shop with a wide staircase that connects it directly to the upper floor.

Dome consists of more than 50 light-catching mirrors.

The stairs leading to the top floor of the Desinchá Flagship are also a sign that the store has turned into a pleasant environment. The experience can be felt thanks to the existence of a dome consisting of more than 50 light-capturing mirrors. Not only does it serve to reflect the vertical garden, the mirrors are also able to present a surreal experience, which makes the ender momentarily forget the hustle and bustle of the city which is only a few meters from the front street of the store. In store operations, the mirror dome also serves to direct sunlight to the large Cold Drip, equipment specially made to allow for cold.

Huge Cold Drip, specially made utensil to allow cold tea.

A top-down perspective can show the huge Cold Drip working process.

The tool can actually be a special attraction for stores because it can show you a magical way, how sunlight melts ice into water that slowly extracts the essence and aroma of Desinchá products. Consisting of several borosilicate glass containers that are vertically aligned, the process of working this tool can be seen when descending the stairs.

Behind all the narratives, Superlimão does not forget to give a creative touch in the design of the Desinchá Flagship that can support operational activities. For example, all angles are optimally utilized for storage. In addition, a vending machine is also installed in front of the store and faces the street for 24 hours, so that people can buy Desinchá products at any time. So, the Desinchá Flagship can be interpreted as a small box full of experiences.

Every corner of Desinchá Flagship is optimally utilized for storage.

Concept diagram showing how Desinchá Flagship is like a small box full of experience.

Huge Cold Drip tool working process.