Architecture firm Bureau des Mésarchitecture has completed an apartment block that is defined by its facade. The structure is wrapped in concrete and gold aluminum shutters which are applied as a form of defense. The block is located in Leiria, Portugal along a corner site. There are five apartments that connect to a 20th-century home that has been renovated and concerted into two more apartments.
The founder of the studio, Didier Fiúza Faustino shares the design process to Dezeen, "The site is at the articulation of two neighbourhoods with different urban fabric – the old part of the city with one to two storeys buildings and a new area, under development, with 4 storeys or more buildings. There were two main ideas for the project: designing a housing building with a defensive facade and a soft interior, designing a facade that can be totally closed or totally open. The concept can be resumed in two words: protect and care."
Housing Block Defensive Facades
Bureau des Mésarchitecture Creates Gold Aluminum Shutters
Trend Themes
1. Defensive Architecture - The use of gold aluminum shutters as a protective façade material signifies a rising trend in defensive architecture, merging security with aesthetics.
2. Adaptive Use of Historical Buildings - Transforming a renovated 20th-century home into modern apartments highlights a trend of adaptive reuse in urban development, preserving historical structures while accommodating new residential needs.
3. Modular Facades - Designing facades that can be completely closed or open reflects a trend towards modular, flexible building components that enhance functionality and security.
Industry Implications
1. Real Estate Development - The integration of adaptive and defensive architectural elements indicates innovative shifts in urban residential project designs.
2. Construction Materials - The application of concrete and gold aluminum in building façades emphasizes an emerging preference for durable, aesthetically versatile materials.
3. Historical Renovation - Converting historical homes into modern living spaces showcases significant advancements in the industry of preserving cultural heritage through contemporary renovation techniques.