JOSE BERGUA STUDIO

MATARÓ, BARCELONA

In response to an environment in transformation from a predominantly industrial use to a more residential one, the project proposes an architecture that enhances the intermediate spaces of the buildings and the use that will be made of them. Shutters, terraces and courtyards with vegetation link the urban environment and the private spaces of the dwellings. This domestic character of the project is complemented with concepts of constructive and structural rationality, systematisation, repetition or standardisation, taking as a reference the industrial architecture of the current environment.​

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The primary challenge of the Project was to provide a unitary response to four plots with varying characteristics. The approach involves designing strategies that can be applied uniformly across all buildings. This unified idea covers typological, organizational, and constructive elements, ensuring coherence and cost optimization.

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The circulations are located in the centre of the buildings, freeing up the façades for the dwellings, thus allowing them to receive as many hours of sunlight as possible throughout the year. Façades facing the main streets and the inner courtyards have long terraces, offering generous outdoor spaces for each dwelling.

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The typology allows the 60 homes to benefit from dual orientation, promoting sunlight and natural ventilation in all rooms. All homes are provided with cross ventilation and several views, establishing a strong relationship with the exterior. Flats are designed to be flexible and adaptable to different family configurations without requiring construction work. Each dwelling includes a versatile room that can function as a bedroom, living room extension, study, or games room.

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The construction of the volumes is resolved by means of an optimised structure of concrete pillars and slabs lightened with recycled plastic coffers, reducing the material used and the ecological footprint of the buildings. The façades are made of prefabricated wooden elements: wood-cement panels on a prefabricated wooden substructure, wooden windows and roller shutters and plywood panels to the circulation spaces. Through this prefabricated envelope, the palette of materials establishes connections with the former industrial character of the Ronda Barceló area.

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TYPE            Housing​​​​

CLIENT         INCASOL (Institut Català del Sòl)

YEAR           2022 - In progress

AREA           8.600 m2

TEAM           Javier Gavín Balda (co-author)

                   Bernuz- Fernández arquitectes S.L.P (Structures)

                   Eletresjota Tecnics Associats S.L.P (Services) 

                   BBTEC (Technical architect) 

                   Aúrea Acústica (Acoustics)

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PRIZES         1st Prize Architectural competition