Housing Building VV

One of the main premises of the project involves, precisely, the interpretation of the concept of “sustainability” and, consequently, its applicability in terms of energy efficiency and reduction of environmental impact. Whether from the selection of construction/covering materials and/or the implementation of green elements – planters and garden coverage – the use of vegetation in the architecture allows not only to build a more appealing image of the place, but also to contribute to the biodiversity of the species. Through photosynthesis, plants help to filter and decontaminate the air, providing a pleasant feeling – allowing greater temperature control in summer (reducing the need for refrigeration), as well as helping to maintain the internal temperature of the house in winter.

The proposed building consists of five floors above the threshold for residential use and two basement floors for parking and a leisure area with swimming pool. Access is established on foot along Rua Estrela do Mar using concrete stairs or, alternatively, via a ramp accessible (also) for disabled users. These accesses converge on the upper level, where it is possible to access the postal boxes and stay, even temporarily, on the benches that appear next to a reception garden composed of: Cymbopogon flexuosus, Rosmarinus officinalis prostratus and Agave attenuata. Access to the parking lot is made to the south of the intervention using grass grids, in order to differentiate spaces (people/cars) and gently follow the topography.

Conceptually, it is intended that the built mass emerges as an organic – fluid object, composed of green elements (vases) and curved planes resting on a platform, in counterpoint, with straight lines (slabs) that accompany the perimeter of the building, creating a system continuous from balconies. In a close relationship between “full” and “empty”, the horizontal planes (slabs) extend to the volumes of vertical communications, enclosing an open/dynamic gesture with a clearly closed, hinged intention, which materializes the entrance – in the center of the building.