The concept conceived by Dubosc and Landowski is a light weight structure that is adaptable to low bearing soils like the proposed site in Recife, Brazil. In fact, it is nine times lighter than a conventional building due in part to the dry construction methods. The concept includes free-standing modules (2x50m²) hung from the top structures on piles to create an independent framework that acts as a rack from which to stack the dwellings. Each dwelling is independent from the next enabling them to be built all together or one by one. The structure is standardized for any height building from four to eight storeys. Standardisation also keeps the constructions costs low.

The scheme takes advantage of natural ventilation and cooling through the inclusion of shutters that can be manipulated by the occupant to take best advantage of breezes as well as to block sun. The dwellings are oriented north/south to consider the sun as well as the mostly east-southeast prevailing winds. There are no windows on the east-or west-facing sides of the buildings. A double layer of roofing is included to provide shade and prevent solar build-up at the roof. As well, it creates a windstream to enhance natural ventilation. The master plan is oriented, so the PREVAILING WIND from the sea blows through the yard and the double roofing between each module to evacuate the hot and humid air. The higher the buildings are, the more they get benefit from the wind for natural cooling.

Dubosc and Landowski's concept is focused to achieve comfort with simple approaches like the floor to ceiling shutters. Spare green areas and quality spaces are included for community gathering in the core area of the building.

The dry construction method provides many advantages:

• Lightweight buildings adapted to poor condition soils
• Lighter structures mean a smaller building material volume, and less groundworks
• No thermic inertia for easy refreshment
• Traditional heavy building (reinforced concrete): 600kg/m²
• Dry construction method (on this project): 70kg/m²

Also, the dry construction method means the building can be easily dismantled at end of life and the building materials easily separated for optimal recycling.

Each dwelling has high quality acoustic insulation between the modules, thanks to the double roofing. As well, the concept as a high degree of modularity for a ultimate flexibility to preserve the feeling of personal dwelling for the inhabitants.

The free-standing nature of the building enables the use of all the technical means for ecological strategies, individually or collectively.

• Hot water and electricity by solar panels
• Tanks to collect rain water for toilets
• No artificial air cooling due to the natural ventilation system provided in the double roofing
• Porosity of the whole building to the constant and prevailing winds to avoid humid and warm air stagnation.
• Maximum protection from the sun: very wide roofing with a light flocking underneath
• No thermic inertia to help passive cooling
• Independent hot water production for each dwelling: 2m²/dwelling of solar panels+200l. tank in the kitchen
• Electric production through a photovoltaïc membrane (200m², to obtain 10.000Kwh). Considering an average consumption of 3000 Kwh per dwelling, this production can provide 20% of the needs for a four storey building and 11% for eight stories.
• Adaptability of wind turbines

   

Occupants can anticipate comfort of a naturally ventilated dwelling, and the benefits of adaptable dwellings that allow rearrangement of the kitchen, living room and balconies.