Social Housing in Turó del Sastre by DATAAE + Xavier Vendrell Studio

Turó del Sastre Social Housing Project

The Social Housing project in Turó del Sastre designed by DATAAE in collaboration with Xavier Vendrell Studio redefines urban living in Montgat, Spain. Completed in 2022, this innovative residential development spans over 4,784 square meters and addresses the complex topography and peri-urban conditions of the site with a thoughtful, sustainable design.

Nestled between two streets with an 18-meter elevation difference, the architecture capitalizes on the natural landscape to create a dynamic, community-focused living environment with enhanced green spaces, optimal sun exposure, and effective cross ventilation.

Architectural Concept and Design Strategy

The design intelligently splits the building into three new volumes, weaving green spaces between them to foster a sense of community and improve residents’ quality of life. The significant elevation change inspired a 4.20-meter cantilevered structure in the upper building, reducing the need for extensive foundations on the rocky terrain.

The complex is organized into two distinct clusters of housing, each with its own access street:

• Upper Street Block: A compact volume housing 17 apartments across three levels (ground floor + 2 floors), structured around a central passageway with six units per floor.
• Lower Street Block: A larger volume accommodating 22 apartments across five levels (ground floor + 4 floors), with a passageway and five units per level.

This strategic division not only minimizes site disruption but also maximizes efficiency and community interaction.

Sustainable and Climate-Responsive Design Features

The Turó del Sastre Social Housing project integrates two types of intermediate spaces that enhance comfort and sustainability:

• Bioclimatic Galleries (Southeast Facades): These semi-open spaces significantly boost habitability by regulating indoor temperatures, improving energy efficiency, and offering stunning views towards the Mediterranean Sea.
• Filtering Spaces (Northwest Facades): Acting as private outdoor buffers between the glazed apartment facades and collective walkways, these areas ensure both privacy and natural ventilation.

Each unit is designed with a rectangular, pass-through living and dining space that ensures optimal cross ventilation. The spatial organization includes:

• A main access point on one end
• A large, sea-facing opening connected to the bioclimatic gallery
• Centrally located functional areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and varying bedroom layouts depending on the depth of the apartment.

This flexible and modular arrangement allows for adaptability without sacrificing architectural clarity or environmental performance.

 A Model for Future Social Housing

Social Housing in Turó del Sastre stands as a benchmark for sustainable urban living, combining climate-responsive design, efficient land use, and community-centered architecture. By leveraging natural site conditions and prioritizing resident well-being through innovative spatial strategies, DATAAE and Xavier Vendrell Studio demonstrate how thoughtful design can elevate the quality of social housing while contributing positively to the urban fabric.

All Photographs are works of Adrià Goula