Neither an open block that does not enclose anything, nor a closed block indifferent to the sun. The project does not reach the allowed buildable area as we consider it excessive; the urban plan allowed 65 dwellings of which we build only 56. This reduction of density within the proposed volume benefits the orientation of the housing units within the block towards the South and the sun, and allows a more friendly and generous solution for the common spaces. There are no closed patios or rear facades; everything is public, accessible and transparent. The patio is a continuous surface with a simple and small low maintenance garden, where big trees are a must.
The legislation regarding the quality and design of social housing has defined the apartments in square meters, number of bedrooms and general layout. But all of them benefit from cross ventilation, 13 occupy one story, while 43 are two-story houses, accessible by an outside gallery. These are the two typologies that enable us to compact the volume, to light it better, save energy and occupy less space on the site.