— MTower

The MTower stands out as a distinctive mark in the Maputo landscape. Its development was based on a movement and torsion desire, creating a svelte yet emblematic building.

The exterior mesh clothes the building as the capulana (traditional clothing) clothes the Mozambican woman. Aside from the aesthetic value, it has more than one function: it supports the exterior elevation, it provides partial shade to spaces, it permits window bays and outdoor areas to be created, all protected by this permeable mesh. It also allows the natural ventilation of the building, an essential aspect for sustainable building management in this climate. Further attention is given to the adequate lighting of spaces; natural cooling of spaces by using free cooling; shade for the windows provided by the mesh, the reflectance of the glass and the addition of screens and blackouts – ecodesign solutions that support the adequate management of existing resources, thus minimising the impacts and costs associated with the building.

This is a competition project, a singular building, an icon that could mark Maputo’s skyline, communicating Mozambican culture to the world, its traditions and modernity depending upon institutions’ desire and approval.