Essential Functions

Natural ventilation is supplied through planned, passive cross ventilation to eliminate the need for mechanical systems and, thereby, reducing energy demands for building operation and maintenance. Water supply is supplemented by roof-top rain water capture. Each building uses solar heating systems for hot water. There is no need for inclusion of grey water treatment and re-use systems because of the area's high rainfall index. Inclusion of clean energy generation through a photovoltaic roof array is possible if budget allows, and the region's energy supply system necessitates it due to high costs or low supply.

Essential Construction

Essential Architecture's construction is the epitome of the design's minimalist approach. From the view of a typical cross section, the building is conceived as a reproducible system. Lightweight prefabricated components are simply transported to the site and assembled in a clean, rational process and without the use of wet construction trades.

Composed of standard profiles, the steel super-structure is fully bolted in place, eliminating the need for onsite welding. The use of prefabricated flooring slabs also eliminates the use of temporary structures during construction.

Steel construction products arrive onsite, pre-painted and pre-treated, which further reduces construction time, as well as maintenance activities during the life of the building. When necessary, a component can be easily replaced and fully recycled.

Flexibility and Reproducibility

The idea of Essential Architecture led the architects to conceive a flexible system, focused on providing open, flexible spaces for apartment owners. Ownership of the space is not only allowed but encouraged, leaving the decisions about the space's configuration over time up to the users and their needs. The participation in the space's definition stimulates a feeling of belonging, involving the owner in the responsibility of preserving the unit, a fundamental factor for the complex's sustainability.

The prefabricated components and the nature of the steel structure support reproduction in varying contexts and dimensions.

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