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Awe-inspiring brick canopy erected on the outskirts of Asunción, Paraguay

Quincho tía coral

Awe-inspiring brick canopy erected on the outskirts of Asunción, Paraguay

Located on the outer-edges of Paraguay’s capital, Asunción, is a 1,722 square-foot canopy set to inspire all those with a penchant for masonry. Built in the back the yard of a pre-existing dwelling, the monumental canopy comprises, brick, steel, recycled glass, and scrap rubble stretching over a pool, patio and a handful of enclosed spaces that were designed with it.

The work is the product of Solano Benítez, Gloria Cabral and Solanito Benítez of Asunción-based firm Gabinete de Arquitectura who named it quincho tía coral. Using cement to bind the broken-down rubble and glass as well as the brick, the canopy rests upon conjoining brick-clad pillars. The resultant triangular form is emulated extensively throughout the design, notably in the canopy’s horizontal plane which casts the shape as a shadow onto the patio area during the day.

As a result, quincho tía coral acts as a much needed shading device for the open space which is susceptible to temperatures reaching above 90 degrees (worsened by Asunción’s constant relative humidity of around 70 percent). The space is ideal for gatherings, barbecues, and family events.

At night, the canopy can be seen as an array of tessellating triangles, illuminated by lighting from below. Due to the earthy-red shade of the bricks used, the space maintains a sense of warmth during the evening hours through the dusk sunlight the lighting techniques applied. With generous vegetation found both surrounding and on the premises, the canopy amplifies the serene environment, a welcome contrast to the bustle of nearby Asunción, Paraguay’s most populous city.

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