68 unit housing block in Barcelona

Dates2003-2007
SiteGran Via de les Corts Catalanes. Barcelona
ClientMETRO-3
Built area6.212 m2
ArchitectsJoan Pascual
TechnitianCelestí Ventura
Structure engineerJoan Carles Capilla
M&E engineerIndex-3
ImagingFrancesc Morera


The building is located in the corner of Sardenya St. and Gran Via. Most of the plot is on Sardenya St., and almost 50% of the limit with the neighbouring plot along Gran Via is blocked by a building. Therefore, it is only possible to open the units onto the central block courtyard beyond the depth of the neighbouring building.

With such site constraints, it would seem reasonable to create a series of ventilation patios and build the units around them. This would imply the need for a minimum of two staircases and a very complex layout.

The problem is solved by placing the ventilation patio, (enforced by the planning regulations), right on the façade of the building. It is enclosed by a series of balconies that, shaded by mobile panels and louvers, reconstruct the image of the façade. The result is a stunning new concept of the chamfer, where the historic alignment and character are preserved whilst allowing a modern and clear layout for the building.

 

 

68 unit housing block in Barcelona

Dates2003-2007
SiteGran Via de les Corts Catalanes. Barcelona
ClientMETRO-3
Built area6.212 m2
ArchitectsJoan Pascual
TechnitianCelestí Ventura
Structure engineerJoan Carles Capilla
M&E engineerIndex-3
ImagingFrancesc Morera


The building is located in the corner of Sardenya St. and Gran Via. Most of the plot is on Sardenya St., and almost 50% of the limit with the neighbouring plot along Gran Via is blocked by a building. Therefore, it is only possible to open the units onto the central block courtyard beyond the depth of the neighbouring building.

With such site constraints, it would seem reasonable to create a series of ventilation patios and build the units around them. This would imply the need for a minimum of two staircases and a very complex layout.

The problem is solved by placing the ventilation patio, (enforced by the planning regulations), right on the façade of the building. It is enclosed by a series of balconies that, shaded by mobile panels and louvers, reconstruct the image of the façade. The result is a stunning new concept of the chamfer, where the historic alignment and character are preserved whilst allowing a modern and clear layout for the building.