4 Social Housing Units in Garralda
Housing in Garralda Story by Lunawood Housing in Garralda
Alberto Amores
Housing in Garralda Story by Lunawood Housing in Garralda

4 Social Housing Units in Garralda

Naza AyD as Architects

The project has been defined with two fundamental objectives, on the one hand, its landscape integration in an environment as cared for as that of Garralda and the Aézcoa valley, and, on the other, to achieve the highest housing quality of the proposed homes.

photo_credit Alberto Amores
Alberto Amores
photo_credit Alberto Amores
Alberto Amores
photo_credit Alberto Amores
Alberto Amores

After the analysis of the archetypal features of the traditional Basque-Navarrean “Caserío” (farmhouse), it was decided to divide the required program into two volumes, with steeply pitched roofs, whose proportions allow better adaptation to the volumetrics of the area. These two pieces are arranged in opposite directions to promote dialogue with the rural landscape. The choice of materials is sensitive and respectful with the environment. The exterior envelope is made with only two materials. White mortar, using the SATE system, is chosen as the finish of the façade. In gallery roofs and shutters, the material used is Lunawood Thermowood®, as a reinterpretation and recovery of the use of wooden tiles, typical of the Aézcoa valley. Both, roof and gallery, thus merge into a single element that gives the proposal its own identity. This reinterpretation of the archetype of the “Caserío” allows the connection of the proposal with the collective memory of the place.

photo_credit Alberto Amores
Alberto Amores
photo_credit Alberto Amores
Alberto Amores

In the exterior space of the plot, no physical limits have been defined, allowing it to be understood as a continuity of the surrounding nature, the intervention acting as a connector between the natural landscape and the village.

photo_credit Alberto Amores
Alberto Amores

In the design of the dwellings, the maximum flexibility, adaptability, neutrality and spatial quality possible is sought, favoring different ways of living. There is one dwelling per floor in each of the volumes, on the first floor and under the roof, reserving the available space on the ground floor of both buildings for common uses. The cross-laminated timber structure is placed on the façade and on the separation partitions between dwellings and the common spaces, favoring changes in the useful life of the dwellings. All spaces are sized to be adapted to difficulties in the mobility of the inhabitant. Natural lighting and the arrangement of the openings is one of the most essential objectives that have been taken into account to ensure the quality of the interior space, as well as the provision of large outdoor terraces, which allow connection with the landscape of the area. The use of color and materials in the interior has been intentionally neutral, to facilitate the appropriation and characterization of the space for its inhabitants.

photo_credit Alberto Amores
Alberto Amores
photo_credit Alberto Amores
Alberto Amores
photo_credit Alberto Amores
Alberto Amores

The proposal has also been designed taking into account criteria that improve its sustainability, not only at an energy level (for which the Passivhaus standard has been met), but also at an environmental level (reduction of the carbon footprint, maintenance of the water cycle, promotion of biodiversity), social (improvement of the quality of life and habitability conditions, linkage with the collective memory of the place), as well as economic (promotion of the circular economy).

Caption
Caption
Caption

Housing in Garralda

Lunawood as Manufacturers

The Housing in Garralda is guided by two core objectives: seamless integration into the scenic landscape of Garralda and the Aézcoa Valley, alongside a commitment to delivering high-quality housing.

photo_credit Alberto Amores
Alberto Amores

Drawing inspiration from the traditional Basque-Navarrean “Caserío” architecture, the design cleverly divides the program into two volumes, each with pitched roofs covered in Lunawood ThermoWood®, that engage in a harmonious dialogue with the rural surroundings.

photo_credit Alberto Amores
Alberto Amores

The project was awarded with an honorable mention in the prestigious Premios COAM 2023 competition.

 

With an environmentally conscious approach, materials are thoughtfully chosen. The facade boasts a finish of white mortar using the SATE system, while gallery roofs and shutters are crafted from Lunawood’s SHP 42×42 battens, paying homage to the Aézcoa valley’s wooden tile tradition.

photo_credit Alberto Amores
Alberto Amores

Beyond its physical boundaries, the exterior space seamlessly melds with the natural environment, serving as a bridge between the pristine landscape and the village.

 

Inside the dwellings, flexibility, adaptability, neutrality, and spatial quality take center stage. Each volume accommodates a single dwelling per floor, reserving the ground floor for communal spaces.

photo_credit Alberto Amores
Alberto Amores

The strategic use of cross-laminated timber structures enhances versatility, especially for residents with mobility challenges.

 

The design prioritizes abundant natural light, generous outdoor terraces, and an understated interior color palette, all contributing to the quality of living spaces.

photo_credit Alberto Amores
Alberto Amores

Sustainability is a fundamental principle underpinning the project, aligning with Passivhaus energy standards and addressing a spectrum of considerations encompassing environmental, social, and economic aspects.

Project Credits
Product Spec Sheet

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ManufacturersLunawood
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