Integral renovation of a two social housing units in el cabanyal district, Valencia
Originally constructed in 1930 and in a poor state of preservation due to neglect, primarily as a result of the impacts of the Cabayal PEPRI regulations, the City Council decided to rehabilitate it providing 2 social housing units for low – income rental, with approximately 50 square meters each.
The proposal is based on the arrangent of a central box containing the services areas, such as the kitchen, bathroom and storage. The rest of the floor plan is organized around it, creating dual circulation paths and emphasizing neutrality and flexibility.
This approach allows a single space to serve various activities throughout the day, in much the same way that an activity can take place in different types of spaces.
Or, as Peter Smithson said: "In a way, what I'm explaining is like a children's party. The mother sets up certain possibilities for play, but whether the party goes well or not depends on the inventiveness of the children. The mother designs the framework."
Regarding finishes, the load-bearing wall of the principal facade are rendered with lime mortar, while beams and slabs on first floor are left exposed, giving character to the interior space. The color provided by the red ceramic tile on floors contrasts with the neutrality of the rest of the tones.
The building's energy performance is excellent; this is achieved by using natural, and local resources as well as efficient installations. Thanks to its east-west orientation, the building benefits from prevailing winds, and natural ventilation is maximized. The roof is ventilated, and the structure, resolved with ceramic walls, provides the building with high thermal inertia. Text description by the architects.
