341 MatosinhosHousing

ano 2003-2007

especialidades Mofase

Housing builging in Matosinhos sul in Portugal.

from industrial zone to residential

The entire surroundings were, for decades, an industrial area dedicated to sardine and tuna canning. In these old and sometimes derelict sardine factories, lies a significant part of the Matosinhos collective memories. From a solid and representative industrial unit rises the outer limit of the building itself. The material used in its construction, concrete and zinc corrugated sheets on facades, will throw us directly to the memory of its predecessor.

simple abstraction of solids

For years the work of Eduardo Chillida has been amazing us for its simplicity. Showing sceneries by simple abstraction of solids. From an undivided and opaque bloc he works solids out that allow possible visual architectural views. A subtlety of action will define the same creation and definition of typologies, by subtracting matter to the original bloc. By clipping out and moving backwards the glass panes for the windows thus making visible the sub division of the apartments themselves, rhythm and individuality is created. Rooms, lounges, kitchens are visible. In growing, the building requires human indicator factors. Presence. The slabs mark horizontal divisions for the floor levels. All windows return light back to the inside of the original block.

rhythm

From the outside, we become aware of some typologies for the apartments. Some don’t require privacy, some blatantly do, and again a rhythm of elements is imposed on the façade to hide dwellers. From the original study of the building, a separation of the slabs stands out, marking a certain horizontal feel to an otherwise tall building. The contact with the ground floor commercial spaces is thought again. A closer connection to the passers-by is intended. After some initial concern from the clients of the building in selling or renting out conventional commercial spaces in the area, a new attitude is taken, where real stages are created for the pieces to sell. Display windows that act as shelves for items, turning them into immediate actors of a show that happens, as well, on the inside. What you see is less important than what is hidden.

curiosity

Curiosity springs. Creating the suspended concrete boxes that present goods on stores, has proven helpful in marking entrance spaces, several, on a rhythm that defines also, vertical access to the apartments. Contrary to usual, this rhythm is found through an odd number and the dimension of the said openings. The common entrance and distribution areas are, themselves, a reflection of the choices for the rest of the materials in the building. Also, a light rhythm is created from a formula seen on the ground floor façade. These are embedded in the walls. The floor is covered, not with conventional ceramics, as often happens in the area, but rather, with a self leveling pavement that eco’s memories of a long lost industrial past of this city.