Brazilian architects, FGMF Arquitetos developed a very light, clean concept for housing in Russia to meet the expectations of the 3rd International Architecture Competition for Sustainable Housing.

Generally the local Cherepovets� climate is predominantly cold but during the extended continental summers, especially on certain days with clear sky conditions, heat stress may also occur. The proposed building adapts to these rather rare climatic conditions, using shading lamellas and the allowance of optimized ventilation through adaptive building elements (membranes).

FGMF�s proposal creates a �protective bubble� around the house with these elements, so that occupants can control when and how the sun and the wind should affect it. Also, it creates an air cushion that protects the nucleus from the severe low temperatures outside, and at the same time gently absorbs the heat losses from the nucleus. But beyond heat loss control, there is the possibility of a generous and pleasant external space to be used the whole year, bringing a bit of a Brazilian contribution in having nature and joy constantly in reach. Nevertheless, the concept of the house is not only poetic. The intention was to create nice spaces, energy efficiency, and also a feasible and practical construction.

�We wanted the house to be very mutable. It has to change to adapt to the changing extremes of Cherepovets environment and to be able to change along with the landscape, opening and closing and creating new possibilities for space and living,� said Fernando Forte, presenting the concept to the Living Steel jury with Louren�o Gimenes for FGMF Arquitetos.

The proposed system is simple enough to optimize construction, using a very basic steel I-beam structure, and flexible enough to allow further typological variations � with truly endless possibilities. As a result, the design provides the means for a deep sense of belonging with highly customizable individual settings inside the �bubble�.

�Unfortunately today sustainability is discussed in terms of the sum of small complementary systems that don�t necessarily belong to architecture. Either it is a goal itself, pushing architecture aside because of the energy-efficiency premises, or it is resolved by adding up gadgets to an irresponsible and poorly designed architecture,� said Gimenes. �It is our belief that architecture itself or design is a means to provide sustainability, it is the means to create a better way of life. Sustainability is a part of the construction of that ideal, it is a part of a system; not a goal itself. FGMF Arquitetos believe that sustainability is reached through a rich space to live, because ultimately the goal is to live well. �Sustainability is a part of architecture. It is a part of design as much as construction, or structure, or lighting,� said Gimenes. �Everything has to speak through the language of architecture.� In Brazil, living and working in steel buildings is slowly gaining acceptance, making buildings like the one FGMF designed for Living Steel�s 3rd International Architecture Competition for Sustainable Housing a unique concept for their own country. Said Gimenes, �Our contractors and developers have this feeling that steel is more expensive, which is obviously not a good answer because you have to think beyond the first investment you put into the business. The agility in steel building structures and the flexibility to provide simple, effective solutions are incredible.�

View the architect's biography.

To learn more about FGMF Arquitetos design, review their Summary Brief.

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