Spanish architect Joan J Fortuny, in collaboration with Alventosa Morell Arquitectes, has developed 54 social housing units in Inca, Mallorca. The project, located on a vacant plot at the town’s edge, addresses the needs of low-income tenants with socially rented flats, while integrating with its urban surroundings.
Architectural Design and Layout
The housing is divided into two independent volumes, aligned along a north-south axis that functions as an “interior street” filled with communal public spaces. This design aims to promote community interaction while avoiding the exclusivity of a gated environment.
Use of Locally Sourced Materials
The facades are wrapped in timber shutters made from locally sourced larch, which open to reveal balconies and terraces. These shutters facilitate cross-ventilation, provide solar protection, and reflect the local vernacular, inspired by the traditional Mallorquin shutters prevalent in the rural area.
Innovative Features and Sustainability
Perforated ceramic bricks are used on the facades and for separating private gardens from the communal space, contributing to the building’s aesthetic and thermal efficiency. The design prioritizes locally sourced materials, including ceramic tiles and clay flooring, emphasizing local craftsmanship and sustainability.
Flexibility and Future Adaptation
The layout includes a wet service core, allowing dual-aspect living spaces with flexible arrangements where tenants can swap the living area and bedrooms as needed. The roofs are equipped with recycled gravel from urban mining and photovoltaic panels, fulfilling the building’s electricity needs, and an air source heat pump provides efficient heating and cooling.
Commitment to Sustainability
Fortuny and Alventosa Morell Arquitectes have focused on creating sustainable buildings that utilize local resources, reducing the need for foreign energy to maintain comfort. This approach reflects their commitment to responsible construction practices that support the local economy and environment.
Photos: José Hevia
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