COMPETITION – 1ST PRIZE | 2009

The new “Decret d’Habitabilitat” (Housing Standards Building Regulation) has largely influenced the shape and volume of the scheme. The search for cross ventilation in all the units of the development has led to the redesigning of the floor layout with the introduction of 4m wide ventilation patios opened onto the façade. With no loss of gross floor area, these ventilation shafts provide all units with the desired cross-ventilation, as well as a visual break in the otherwise excessive length of the building.

The basic rectangular shape proposed by the planning authorities is redefined by a set of overhanging covered areas in the upper levels, following a polar symmetry in plan, which are combined with 1,30 m cantilevered balconies in the rest of the façade. These two features are always divided by the above mentioned ventilation shafts, resulting in a well proportioned building.

The balconies are divided on the side by a vertical plane composed by a series of fixed and sliding panels made of fixed vertical louvers which are designed to provide the right level of privacy for each unit, as well as an accurate sun radiation control.