In 1974, Sergio Bernardes was invited to design Shering’s largest factory (chemical and pharmaceutical industry). Four main blocks were arranged around a large square lake (50×50 m), which was intended to collect rainwater from the roof, act as a fire reserve, air conditioning water system and irrigation of the gardens. “Sergio imagined that the ideal would be if this entire complex was protected by an element (the large spatial truss cover) that, at the same time, would organize the spaces allowing for their expansions and maintain the indispensable architectural unity of the project”, (Murillo Bobaid , architect and collaborator of Sergio Bernardes at the SBA office).

“Sergio Bernardes then designed a large roof, measuring almost 47,000 m², which shelter and coordinates the four units with related functions that make up the factory: administration, restaurant and locker rooms, utility center and pharmaceutical building. Each of these units remains independent, both formally and structurally, from the roof, and constitutes a prismatic volume that does not denounce its function.” NOBRE, Ana Luisa In: BERNARDES, Kykah and CAVALCANTI, Lauro (ed.), Sergio Bernardes. Rio de Janeiro: ARTEVIVA, 2010, p. 131.

Project data:

Supports between pillars: 40.00 x 50.00 m

Height of pillars: 9.00 m – reinforced concrete

Truss height: 3.00 m – three-dimensional tubular aluminum truss

Eaves Swing: 10.00 m

Roof: trapezoidal aluminum tile fixed to the truss

The entire assembly is 5.00 m above the buildings to allow for cross ventilation