The CDQS (Cadaqués) residential building is located in the Universitário neighbourhood, in the city of Santa Maria, in a predominantly residential area close to UFSM. The project responds to the characteristics of this urban context by organising a residential-scale complex that articulates housing units, shared spaces and environmental comfort strategies.
The development is composed of two blocks, organised into three towers, with a total of 30 apartments, interconnected by shared-use areas. These include the entrance hall, the events room and the terrace, which connect the different blocks and concentrate the main communal spaces of the complex. The intention was also to create a shared area facing the street, preserving a close relationship between the building and the public realm, a characteristic that is still strongly present in the neighbourhood.
From the early stages of the design, issues related to thermal and visual comfort were taken into consideration, particularly solar orientation, natural daylight and the possibilities for natural ventilation. In some units, the layout of the floor plans made it possible to provide cross ventilation in specific rooms, contributing to improved habitability and indoor comfort.
The proposal sought a simple and clear architectural language. Concrete block construction is one of the main building solutions, while white predominates on the exterior, reinforcing the overall unity of the complex. In the common areas, natural wood was used to bring warmth to the interiors and create a contrast with the neutrality of the other materials. Colour is also introduced in the stair areas, associated with signage and the identification of the different sectors of the building.
The organisation into two blocks allowed the programme to be distributed more clearly and helped define the relationship between private and collective spaces. The project therefore seeks to combine constructive simplicity, environmental comfort and the quality of shared spaces, in dialogue with the residential character of its surroundings.
Construction | Development: L’abac Empreendimentos
Construction | Site Supervision: Simultânea Engenharia
Architectural Design: Q_arts Arquitetura
Architectural collaboration: Arq. Mariangela Gracia
Electrical | Telephone | TV Design: Eng. Daniel Zanini
Plumbing and Sanitary Design: Eng. Elinor Dalla Lana
Structural Design: Eng. Cristiano Stein
Interior Design: Q_arts Arquitetura
Construction Foreman: Julio Alves
Communication and Graphic Design: Yellowbean
Renderings and Illustrated Floor Plans: Q_arts Arquitetura
Fine Art Works: Claudia Flores Pereira
