We work with an empty site in a compact urban scene influenced by “casa de cos” (traditional Catalan terraced housing). A building is proposed that is coherent with this context, with a robust appearance and making use of the maximum permitted volume, while concealing within it a large central void that provides a second façade for each dwelling. With this strategy, we achieve seven highly comfortable homes that receive natural light from two different orientations and benefit from cross ventilation.

The building is organized using a banded layout that allows us to group and arrange service spaces in the central areas of the dwellings, dividing the living spaces into two zones located on both façades. These zones can be further subdivided to create smaller rooms, allowing different uses to be separated. As a result, we obtain a high degree of flexibility that facilitates adapting each home to the needs of its users.

The project prioritizes energy efficiency. The central courtyard is essential for achieving good ventilation and proper orientation of the dwellings. Rope blinds regulate the entry of light, maximizing solar gain in winter while protecting against excessive heat in summer. In addition, solutions have been adopted to minimize the building’s environmental impact, such as a recyclable metal structure, non-plastic-based insulation, wooden windows, and natural stoneware finishes, which give the building a Mediterranean and sustainable character.