Location: Bayamón, Puerto Rico.

Architect: RUIZ PARDO – NEBREDA.

Puma Energy’s regional corporate office for the Americas is situated in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, which has recently undergone renovation. The building is located between the lush tropical vegetation of the island and its industrial landscape, which is heavily influenced by the United States. The building acts as a filter between these two contrasting environments and is positioned in a highly visible location. The interior of the building is invaded by this contrast as both landscapes cross the large floating platforms. The building is designed as a vertical sequence of four large slabs made of structural steel, which act as floating platforms. The interior space is open and flexible with minimal vertical structure. The platforms extend beyond the limits of the interior space, creating large terraces that protect the interior from direct sunlight exposure and can be used for informal meetings. The horizontal and open space facilitates communication and exchange between users and creates a common link between them and the surrounding landscape. The structure forms part of the industrial landscape but allows nature in through its glazed façade.

Photo credit: Jesús Granada.