Torre-Baró Social housing

The Torre Baró neighbourhood in Barcelona consists of a scattered and heterogeneous group of buildings, most of which are modest in character. However, Torre Baró has a valuable urban landscape created by its domestic and peaceful atmosphere, the strong presence of vegetation and the pronounced topography that offers views over the Collserola mountain and the Besós valley. These factors give the place a very powerful identity, which this social housing project seeks to make the most of. It does so, above all, by moving away from the side boundaries where the trees are located and allowing light and breezes to flow freely through the building from side to side.

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A sequence of distinct, well-defined spaces establishes the spatial and luminous link between the two streets that border the plot. Access is via a porch that opens onto Escolapi Cáncer Street and gently follows its slope. From the porch, one passes into the courtyard and climbs up the ‘built’ slope to reach a horizontal haven facing south and Castelldefels Street.

The built volume is a compact prism that wraps around itself, housing a bright and airy courtyard open to the south, which is the true heart of the project and provides access to all the dwellings. Its floors adapt to the topography of the hillside and float above the ground, allowing air and views to pass between north and south. Small widenings in the access walkways and in the horizontal areas gained from the slope create communal areas for conversation or sunbathing, thus incorporating the best features of Mediterranean architecture with a closed and open volume, clear and complex, which creates a rich space.

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The existing rugged topography is slightly modified to make it a substantial part of the project. The slopes that remain unoccupied to the east and west of the building are conditioned with small terraces that accommodate the different levels of the building, preventing soil erosion and allowing new trees to be planted. The staircase folds over the slope to provide direct access to the two main floors, creating a terraced interior landscape.

The exterior is a reflection of the collective character of the city. It is sober and firm, yet the interior creates a domestic atmosphere for the inhabitants. A well-designed opening, consisting of a small balcony and Mallorcan shutters, articulates the façades, and its repetition, addition and different positions establish the overall order and vibration of the façades.