8 social dwellings in Palma de Mallorca

The project proves the feasibility of using compression structures to activate thermal inertia as much as possible and ensure passive cooling in summer

A heavy enclosure with low carbon footprint is complemented by cross ventilation and the sea breeze (the embat). The sandstone from the islands – marés –, used for both structure and Shell has been extracted from the city of Palma, and is one of the local industrialized materials with a smaller carbon footrpint. The hygrothermal materials of the structure are exposed to control the high humidity on the island.

At ground level, barrel vaults rest on supports that transfer horizontal stress. The free space between supports generates kitchens, pantries, storage, windows, and accesses. On the first floor, the supports are reduced to hold a lightweight structure of timber trusses with steel struts. Bedroom partitions are of wood to allow new layouts in the future, and the sloping roof is made of traditional Arab ceramic tile.