ARQUID: Runner-Up of World Design Awards 2024. Known as the “Breathing House,” this collective housing project is situated in Miranda de Ebro, Burgos. The 2,800 m² building features 30 apartments and serves as a model for sustainable housing by prioritizing efficient use of space per resident. The project aims to optimize living spaces for long-term use, offering residents both comfort and adaptability to evolving living conditions.

As the residential industry evolves at a stagnant rate—there is a growing focus on addressing key challenges faced in modern housing. In today’s world, where lifestyle changes, one of many being work from home. Due to increased indoor time, there is a heightened awareness of the negative health effects of prolonged indoor living, both physical and mental.

Our primary mission was to design homes that incorporate a variety of environments within each unit to promote healthy living practices. This project houses various types of facilities and amenities to accommodate daily activities and dynamic needs of residents, balancing private and open spaces through thoughtful planning. By fostering movement, flow, and versatility, these design strategies aim to enhance the quality of life in modern housing units.

Concept

To have multiple shared spaces within residential building that promote healthy and social interaction of users. Emphasis is placed on achieving a balanced ratio between indoor and outdoor spaces within the residential premises. These shared areas offer residents exciting circulation routes and spaces to enjoy beyond their individual units. This design strategy and plan layout fosters a sense of community and encourages social interactions, which are often lacking in modern living environments.

The project explores the interplay between exterior and interior spaces, privacy, and openness. This is applied in the shared space areas where the border facade is of white metal fencing. A light safety net that shelters the space, but at the same time makes the interior breathable.

Design approach and project development

The scope of the project included strategic planning, which involved developing a business and investment plan, and the project preparation stage, which covered concept design, feasibility study and cost estimation.

The key to the project’s successful execution was taking clear steps within each design phase. This involved intensive research and analysis to highlight key aspects related to modern living, economic factors, sustainable living, and design. The project introduces a new concept that not only inspires our current initiatives but encourages others in the industry to consider innovative approaches to circular design moving forward.

Sustainable and eco-conscious design

The Miranda del Ebro project incorporates several strategies to support eco-design, focusing on the building’s longevity, maintenance, and the well-being of its users. It promotes responsible construction management by being environmentally respectful, controlling resource use, and utilizing local materials. Key elements include:

• Solar Control: Mobile panels generate electricity and energy for the building, reducing reliance on power grids and adhering to nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) standards to minimize energy demand.
• Emission Reduction: The project uses low-emission heating and domestic hot water sources, such as aerothermal energy and photovoltaic solar production, to lower NOx emissions.

Passive Strategies:

• Cooling Patios: Designed to support controlled natural cross-ventilation and mechanical extraction.
• Biodiversity Measures: Includes habitat creation through a green roof and a ground-floor garden, promoting environmental continuity and serving as a humidity regulation mechanism.
• Rainwater Infiltration: Rainwater is gradually absorbed into the ground-floor garden via gravel pits, which act as drainage systems and support land biodiversity.

Materiality:

• Life Cycle Analysis: The project uses low-impact natural materials such as wood, ceramics fired in biomass ovens, organic fiber insulation, and lime mortars.
• Certification: Required seals and certificates to ensure the responsible origin of materials.

Waste Reduction: Employs industrialized construction systems, such as laminated wood structures and dry assembly CLT, to minimize concrete use and reduce construction waste.

Project Details:-
Firm
ARQUID

Architect
Begoña Soto

Project Name
Breathing House

Project Category
Residential Multi-Family Concept

Team
ARQUID

Project Location
Miranda de Ebro, Burgos

Country
Spain

Photography ©Credit
ARQUID

Arquid is an architectural firm established in 2007, with its headquarters in Madrid and operations extending to Barcelona, London, Berlin, and Bordeaux.

We specialize in creating exceptional spaces, combining our expertise in project and construction management with sophisticated architectural solutions. As a challenge-driven team of architects, designers, and engineers, we are committed to design excellence and efficiency, bringing every project to its full potential.

Each project is distinct, our methodology ensures consistently high-quality results. Our services encompass a diverse range of sectors, including private, residential, commercial, corporate, industrial, hospitality, and cultural. Our services span architecture, project management, design, and consulting.

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