Competition - Encosta Sul Housing, Almada

The proposal presented was developed based on the idea that Housing at Controlled Costs can combine architectural quality with social needs. The character of the type of housing intended, which is believed to be attractive and aggregating, was decisive in the logic of the project. As such, the project's various spaces were designed taking into account the needs of contemporary ways of living. At the same time, the architectural identity and the integration of the building into the surroundings were essential in the preparation of the proposal, making the particularities of the building and the specificity of the place compatible.
As defined in the subdivision project, the proposal consists of three independent buildings. Volumetrically, they are simple elements in which the stairwells stand out, protruding from the rest of the composition, in order to bring dynamism. The emphasis given to the stairwell also serves to mark the entrances to the building. In total, the buildings will consist of seven floors: five above the level of Rua Manobra and two in a semi-basement, only open to the south.
The elevations are characterized by the marking of horizontal lines, equivalent to the floors, with metal profiles, which contrast with the verticality of the exterior openings and pillars marked at the limits of the building. The south elevation, given its importance and visibility, stands out visually from the others due to the configuration of the balconies, existing along the entire length of the building on the floors above ground. The tiles present on the semi-basement floors are another prominent formal element of the building’s language. The difference in materiality allows us to mark the two distinct types of programs present in the buildings. On the south elevation, the interplay between horizontal and vertical elements is accentuated, thanks to the horizontality of the balconies and the emphasis on the pillars.
It was decided to fully respect the design of the new street, as well as the location of parking spaces, as it is believed that the proposed design has quality and will be an added value for the arrangement of the surrounding area. Taking into account the wide sidewalks of the south street, it was decided to place commercial spaces with access via this street, thus making it possible to use the public space for eventual terraces. Access to the buildings' parking lots will be via the new street, respecting the standards imposed by the subdivision project.
As in the buildings in the surrounding area, the proposed buildings will be in light colors, the main one being white, complemented by the gray details of the metallic elements and the light green of the tiles.
The number of dwellings and the division of typologies established in the preliminary program are respected.