© Fernando Guerra / FG+SG . Pubblicata il 02 Ottobre 2009.

Situated in the Municipality of Olhão (Algarve) and being part of the Housing Development Contract (HDC) programme, two collective housing buildings were projected with controlled costs. The project for the 2 housing buildings comprises a total of 168 dwellings, each building having 4 floors with typologies varying between T1 (one bedroom) and T5 (five bedrooms).

© Fernando Guerra / FG+SG . Pubblicata il 02 Ottobre 2009.

In terms of architectonic approach, a language of great simplicity and formal purity was chosen, seeking however to escape an image of excessive “social” connotation. The two buildings, with shapes that resemble the letters “G” and “U”, stand next to one another, mutually contemplating themselves. They are both marked by pedestrian passages that elevate themselves from the ground floor to the third floor, allowing them to breathe and communicate in a ventilated way.

© Fernando Guerra / FG+SG . Pubblicata il 02 Ottobre 2009.

The external volume is characterized by a monolithic set, punctuated horizontally by blades that visually tone down the weight of the built mass.

© Fernando Guerra / FG+SG . Pubblicata il 02 Ottobre 2009.

Chromatically the buildings assume an essential neutrality: white is the predominant tonality on the upper floors, and due to the absence of maintenance, grey is applied on the ground floors.

© Fernando Guerra / FG+SG . Pubblicata il 02 Ottobre 2009.

The block’s entire environment is altered through the pedestrian passages in each building, making it more open, allowing it to breathe and facilitating a physical and visual circulation.

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