51 Youth Social Housing, Barcelona, arq. Balcells Conxita

The building is modeled after other actions in the Eixample, where the equipment is configured as an exception to the regularity of the plot Cerdá isotropic.
Its uniqueness is evidenced by its size, the topographic variation of the block and built density in its environment.
Responding to these singularities and while respecting the plot, has been our purpose.

Adapting the building to its environment
The building has two parts: one following the scale of the fragmentation of Ali Bei Street and the other rotated 90 degrees, guiding the main facade on the football pitch.
The main entrance is at the intersection of the two connecting pieces inside block with the street.

Project data:
Floor area: 3366.91 m2 Number of Floors: Ground + 6, Number of homes: 51
The fact of breaking the continuity of the skin of the perimeter of the block and the arrangement of the two parts in the plot allows us to enjoy the best lines: the south-east facade body with Ali Bei Street and south west facade body with the football field. At the same time manages to embrace a larger limit of sky.
The building incorporates passive and active means streamlined energy and management systems that improve usability and comfort, especially in the aspects of climate, lighting and acoustics.
Develop two volumes of a single bay to ensure maximum cross ventilation and solar exposure. The facades are closed in the North directions, being the minimum level of drilling, to ensure ventilation, while the rest are disposed of large-scale openings with elements of lighting and climate control.

Housing
The building consists of 51 houses of 36 m2 for young people and follow the program.
The property type is defined by two small vessels: a nuclear-day (kitchen and living room) and a core of night (bedroom and bathroom). In front each ship is expressed in an individual treatment. Each core includes recordable facilities from areas of the building.
Consider it important to define a minimum essential equipment in the home setting to ensure the durability of the performance.

Technical data:
Architect: Conxita Balcells Blesa
Location: Calle Ali Bei, 94-96 – Barcelona – Spain
Date: 2003
End date: 2007
Contributors: Manuel Arguijo – structure, Joan González Gou – plants, Mariona Benedito – architect, Laia Cisteró – architect, Mariona Genís – architect, Ana Lete – architect, Heike Loewen – architecture student
Rigger: Eulàlia Aran
Owner: ProEixample – i Benestar Family Foundation
Contractor: i Benestar Family Foundation
Construction Company: Edos
Total budget: € 2,016,837.69
Built Size: 3875.70 m2
Cost E.M. m2c: € 520.38 / m2
Financing: i Benestar Family Foundation
Photo: Claudia Huertas, Fran Mouzo, Jordi Brunet
More info: Plataforma Arquitectura