Case Study - Group 2
Arquitectural Solutions, Visual and Practical Analysis
dIn this architectural case study, design and landscape come together in a quiet yet powerful dialogue. Rather than altering the terrain to fit a predetermined vision, each home is strategically positioned along the site’s natural contour lines, embracing the existing topography. This decision marks a deliberate shift away from conventional development methods that often flatten and dominate the land. Instead, the architecture responds—respecting the slope, flowing with the land’s rhythm, and allowing the environment to shape the experience of living.
A defining feature of the project is the shared structural wall between each pair of houses. These walls run parallel to the slope, acting as both a functional backbone and a poetic gesture. Structurally, this approach minimizes material usage, reduces construction waste, and provides enhanced stability on sloped terrain. But more than a technical solution, these walls symbolize interdependence. They blur the line between private and communal, anchoring each home not in isolation but in relationship—with its neighbor and with the wider community.
At the heart of this project lies a simple yet powerful idea: that thoughtful design can create not just homes, but a genuine sense of community.
Architecture that Builds Belonging
This cluster of four housing units has been carefully composed to foster meaningful interactions and shared daily life. Rather than turning outward in isolation, each home faces inward, framing a central, courtyard-like space that serves as the social heart of the cluster. It’s more than an open area—it's a shared zone of gathering, play, conversation, and collaboration. This inward orientation creates a natural sense of togetherness, encouraging residents to connect, share, and support one another as part of a close-knit community.
One of the standout features of this design is the inclusion of communal kitchens—a deliberate gesture toward shared sustenance and collective living. Preparing and enjoying meals together becomes a ritual of connection, turning everyday moments into opportunities for relationship-building. The shared spaces are not afterthoughts; they are central to the design’s ethos of mutual care and sustainability.
Connecting these homes are a series of intuitive pathways that run directly in front of each unit, linking neighbors together while providing a smooth, integrated route to the wider road network. These paths ensure easy access while reinforcing the idea that movement through the space should feel open, welcoming, and naturally connected.
Importantly, the layout balances privacy and proximity. While residents enjoy the independence of their own homes, the spatial design invites spontaneous encounters, shared experiences, and a sense of being part of something larger. This thoughtful interplay creates a living environment that feels both intimate and expansive, private yet communal.
The result is a vibrant micro-neighborhood—a living model of sustainable, community-oriented design. It demonstrates how small-scale clustering, when done with intention and care, can support a richer, more connected way of living. It’s not just a place to reside—it’s a place to belong.
Designing with the Elements:
A Response to Rugged Terrain
and Water Realities
Yet the challenges don’t end when the rains subside. In the dry season, the same areas become hotspots for bacterial buildup and sanitation risks, as stagnant water and inadequate drainage create conditions ripe for health hazards. These fluctuating conditions—excess water in one season, too little in another—require a more resilient, adaptive infrastructure strategy that respects the unpredictability of the local climate.