View of the chimney

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Renovation of the iconic Copan building complex in São Paulo

Between 2023 and 2025, the Copan Building Association renovated the enormous façade of the Edifício Copan in São Paulo, Brazil. MC supported the project from the planning phase through to final implementation, providing comprehensive technical advice and a sustainable concept for the large-scale tiling of the facade.

MC delivered a sustainable overall concept for the façade renovation

Brazil

Between 2023 and 2025, the Copan Building Association renovated the enormous façade of the Edifício Copan in São Paulo, Brazil – one of the world's largest residential buildings, designed by the renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and known for its curved façade. MC-Bauchemie supported the project from the planning phase through to final implementation, providing comprehensive technical advice and a sustainable concept for the large-scale tiling of the facade.

The 140-metre-high Edifício Copan has 32 floors and 1,160 residential units and was inaugurated in 1966. With a living space of over 116,000 m², it is one of the largest residential buildings in the world. Almost 5,000 people live in the building, and the ground floor houses around 70 shops, restaurants and other facilities. The renovation of the façade, consisting of countless small ceramic tiles which had shown considerable signs of wear and tear over the years, therefore required careful and precise planning. The aim was to restore the safety, durability and aesthetic appeal of this iconic residential building's façade.

 

MC was selected for the project due to its technical support, comprehensive product range and experience in complex restoration projects. The company supplied all the necessary materials for key stages of the process. The partners involved were the construction company CONCREJATO and the façade expert PLANVILE. MC was actively involved in the project from the initial planning stage and its solutions were proven successful in numerous tests, primarily due to their exceptional adhesion and strength.

The 140-metre-high Edifício Copan in São Paulo is one of the largest residential buildings in the world, with 1,160 residential units and around 5,000 residents.

The 140-metre-high Edifício Copan in São Paulo is one of the largest residential buildings in the world, with 1,160 residential units and around 5,000 residents.
©MC-Bauchemie 2026

Close-up of the renovated tiled façade

Close-up of the renovated tiled façade
©MC-Bauchemie 2026

Impressive view of the building's spiral staircase from the bottom to the very top

Impressive view of the building's spiral staircase from the bottom to the very top
©MC-Bauchemie 2026

Challenges in façade repair and logistics

The façade was significantly damaged, with tiles coming loose and posing a safety risk. This is why protective nets had to be installed beforehand. The dense location of the building, coupled with limited access and loading and unloading restrictions, required precise control of the delivery of materials. Furthermore, the work had to be carried out during normal business hours, necessitating close coordination between the construction company, façade consultants and MC to minimise the impact on residents and businesses.

Technical solutions from MC for concrete and tile work

MC-Bauchemie provided a comprehensive solution for façade repair and finishing with new tiles. After removing the old tiles, the concrete surfaces were repaired using Nafufill KMH, a product that combines corrosion protection and a bonding agent, and the repair mortar Nafufill GM 2. This ensured a smooth, uniform substrate suitable for subsequent coating. Primer D11 was then applied as the primer before the new tiles were laid.

 

For most areas of the façade, the special mortar M 33 HP can be used both as a tile adhesive and a joint mortar offering an easy-to-apply and durable solution. In specific sections where separate tiling and grouting steps were required, the cementitious grout M 32 was applied. For the movement and separation joints, MC-Flex 490 MS, an flexible, MS-polymer-based sealant, was used to ensure a durable and secure joint finish.

 

Successful implementation and long-term protection of the façade

Thanks to the technical expertise, a comprehensive product portfolio and precise logistical planning, the Copan façade was successfully renovated. The combination of concrete repair, tiling and joint sealing by MC ensures the long-term safety and aesthetic appeal of the Copan building. The products used impressed with their outstanding performance, especially in terms of adhesion and strength.

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