When we started working on this project, we realized that the plot was not large enough to accommodate a suitable seniors residence program. This fact led us to make two decisions: the first was to handle a new study of the volume allowing us to add one extra floor to the structure –the maximum legal number of floors allowed by the zoning– and the second, to make use of the entire plot area, except for its back part where there was a mandatory setback to the adjacent green space. Then, this is the nature of the  uncommon geometry of the building: a curved, radial and convex structure facing midday –like a circular screen– and rectilinear and fractioned in all other directions.      

The upper volume overlaps a large brick base which incorporates the entrances to the residence and the retail space. The accessibility to the building is possible through this pedestal, although each use access is placed at a different street. The entry and exit of vehicles is especially unique; it takes place along the rear façade, which borders the park: thus, there is a circular moat whose void articulates the built-up structure with the green space.

Inside the building, the rooms are radially distributed, so that double rooms are located on the outside of the arch, looking out to the park, and single rooms face a large open space on the neighbourhood. The curved shape of the corridor to the rooms reduces the distances visually and, in order to make the residents´ orientation easier, each floor is treated in different colours.

• Year: 2009
• Status: Built
• Market: Healthcare