Belgian-born Brazil-based Laurent Troost Architectures took on the task of building an archaeologist’s office in its native Brazil, marrying both the industrial and the natural brilliantly in what can be easily described as controlled overgrowth.

Built on a compact 100sqm area in an industrial section of Manaus, a city in the Amazon rainforest, the Tropical Shed has all the makings of a lush, airy microclimate. Two working spaces at both ends of the lot are separated by an open courtyard, a ‘leisure space’ with tropical plants and rapidly-growing vines irrigated by a crafty roof system. A small pool accentuates the courtyard, while hollowed-out brick facades allow wind to pass through, animating the area and creating a healthy microclimate.

The office spaces remain open to the courtyard, with flora providing a subtle accent to the modern-looking office spaces. A meeting area with wood furniture lies on the other end, providing visitors a piece of the natural rainforest in the urban setting.

Photography © Joana França for Laurent Troost Architectures