Corporate Properties Made of Wood: Noah to Deliver Three Projects in São Paulo, Brazil

"I always thought the way we build was very obsolete. Observing construction sites, I realized that change was needed. The process is archaic. Seeing the need for industrialization, I discovered engineered wood. I studied the product, visited other countries and industries, talked to engineers and architects, and understood that engineered wood is the only product that combines several competencies into a single item – flexible for industrialization and not limited to a single use," explained Theodorakis.

The material is made of sawn wood, combined, glued, and pressed, forming walls, pillars, beams, and slabs. After assembly, the product undergoes chemical treatment for antifungal, fire-resistant, and termite-resistant properties.

"Some architects like to add wood to the facade. Since it is exposed, it requires a different treatment. If the wood is structural, it will never be exposed and will have another treatment. The maintenance frequency is shorter on the exterior than on the interior, but it's similar to painting a wall – you apply varnish," he explained. 

Nico revealed that Noah and Engeform had been in discussions since before the pandemic. With the creation of the fund, the companies will develop three boutique-style projects built with engineered wood. Two will be Built-To-Suit, and one will be speculative, all located in the Pinheiros area. Two will be around 3,000 m² and one 4,000 m².

Pinheiros is one of São Paulo's CBD regions, currently totaling 491,241 m² of Class A+, A, and B office space monitored by the SiiLA Market Analytics platform.

The vacancy rate in the region is 16.03%, below the average of the capital's CBD regions, which is 20.08%. The area has been the target of investments in corporate real estate. Throughout 2024, Pinheiros is expected to receive 8 new Class A+, A, or B developments.

In Noah's new projects, still without a scheduled delivery date, the technology will allow for faster construction than conventional methods, says the executive. "One of our projects, the Vinícola Monte Astral, was completed in a third of the time needed with traditional methods," says Nico.

Engineered wood can be used in various types of projects. In other countries, it is employed in everything from industrial warehouses to high-end residential buildings. "We can even deliver the corporate aesthetic, with lots of glass. It's possible to incorporate this characteristic into our projects. We aim to leave the wood exposed both inside and outside, with glass and other materials, as it brings a cozy atmosphere and a cool aesthetic," said Nico.

Speed and sustainability are two of the main attractions of these projects. According to Nico, these elements are essential for the success of the fund.

Nico presents Noah as a construtech and greentech – the first concept refers to the use of technology in building construction, and the second to the alliance between sustainability and technology. For Nico, technology and sustainability are at the heart of the company and the future of civil engineering.

"We have a unique opportunity. Now is the exact time to develop products that will be consumed by the public. I mean, they are already being consumed because we already have ready projects. This movement is a trend for the future, which is already in the present," he said.

In a speech, António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, stated that we are reaching a point of no return for the environment and that change is necessary. The technology used by Noah aligns with this change, being less polluting and reducing carbon emissions in civil construction.

Looking to the past is thinking about the future. In the past, wood sheltered us, and now it is making a comeback. "Literally our buildings can be born from trees," and that's how Noah believes in the future of corporate buildings.