The building seeks to get the most out of the natural conditions of its surroundings and combines different conventional systems and works mainly on thermodynamic properties. The concrete structure and the ceramic enclosures contribute to interior comfort and on the exterior face there is continuous insulation under the stucco layer. Aluminum shutters with adjustable inclination have also been developed to provide passive solar protection on the facades.
Description of project by Picharchitects studio
The project responds to the demand of a real estate developer to offer homes for sale, in a diffuse end of the city, which is in the process of consolidation, between Barcelona and Sant Adrià del Besós.
The building takes the form of a prism, apparently compact. It is arranged along Ramón Llull street, qualifying it through the alignment of its facade and the arrangement of the stores on the first floor, next to the neighbourhood accesses.
The built-up bar orients its longitudinal faces north and south. This condition marks the arrangement of the dwellings and their grouping, so as to achieve the minimum number of units exposed to the north.
Each typology is articulated by means of a terrace inserted in the distribution, a space that manages to cushion the strong solar incidence and is established as a hinge between interior and exterior. A system of sliding louvres modulates the light, the views and the wind.
The broken crown of the building gives the roofs a space for private or communal use, which are treated as if they were new first floors, with the advantage of providing better views. Fragmentation gives a more spontaneous character to the built volume.
The construction uses conventional methods and systems, but tries to combine them to optimize their performance, the project has worked mainly on the thermodynamic properties, with the main purpose of getting the most out of the natural conditions of its environment; thus, the concrete structure and the ceramic enclosures will give an inertial base to the interior comfort; On the exterior face there is continuous insulation under the layer of stucco; the openings will always be protected by aluminium blinds, light and adjustable; the roofs receive a dry system of pressed cement pieces with its incorporated insulation, forming a breathable, draining and passable whole. The swimming pool, located on the roof, will also provide thermal mass to the lower dwellings.
The mechanical air conditioning is provided by air conditioning impulsion, with machinery connected to the "district clima" network, whose layout and service pass through the same street.
Good management of the natural benefits offered by the building's own architecture as a climatic mechanism, allows adequate conditions throughout the year, with little need to connect the mechanical systems.
We hope that over time our building will add a certain value to its surroundings and adapt to it, making it possible to live comfortably in this corner of the city.
