This is a concept project, where sustainable technologies and solutions are applied in an apartment building aimed at the popular market. The walls are in structural masonry made with pressed blocks, in Brazil called "ecological bricks". They are pressed instead of burned, so their manufacture spends less energy than conventional brick. When used structurally, it decreases the amount of formworks for the structure, reducing the residuals generation.
The apartments have brise-soleils and balconies to avoid the sun excess; Solar water heaters; Photovoltaic panels for power generation, reducing the use of the energy distributed through the public grid; Reuse of water for irrigation and discharge; And rainwater harvesting. Also as part of the concept of a sustainable and economic housing, the set has a collective laundry for the use of the residents.
This project was enrolled in the 2008 Holcim Awards Competition. 

Holcim Awards 2008

Architecture Project: Guilherme Dutra