02 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_©Riccardo de Vicenzo image_Facade balconies view from street
03 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_©Riccardo de Vicenzo image_Facade corner
01 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_Concept diagram
01 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_Siteplan
02 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_Concept diagram
03 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_Concept diagram
05 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_Concept diagram
04 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_Concept diagram
04 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_©Riccardo de Vicenzo image_Facade front entrance
05 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_Resume scheme
03 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_Plans - Ground floor
02 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_Plans - Typical floor
01 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_©Riccardo de Vicenzo image_Geometrical balconies
06 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_©BISTO image_Living room
04 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_Plans - plans scheme
05 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_©BISTO image_Open space kitchen
07 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_©BISTO image_Living room
05 - MASSLAB_Ícaro_Rua Lino Lima_Almada_Portugal_Housing_Plot C_Elevations
Ícaro

"Never regret thy fall,

O Icarus of the fearless flight,

For the greatest tragedy of them all,

Is never to feel the burning light."

- Oscar Wilde



Exploring the neighbourhood reveals a residential area in dire need of communal spaces and architectural elements that foster social interactions, currently missing from the local landscape.


The design strategy effectively navigates the site's uneven terrain by splitting the project into two distinct architectural forms, each aligning with the unique character of their respective elevation levels — one situated higher and the other lower.


At the lower elevation, where the pedestrian pace is more measured due to main road access, the design calls for a facade that is more static and unified. In contrast, the upper elevation, adjacent to a more dynamic thoroughfare, is envisioned with a facade that is lively and rhythmic, reflecting the energetic flow of its surroundings.


Drawing inspiration from the legendary Icarus, the design ambitiously seeks to capture sunlight, gracefully integrating with the surrounding greenery and sculpting the landscape to establish unobstructed sightlines and optimal solar positioning. This architectural twist introduces a balcony system that bridges the indoors with the outdoors, nurturing a community spirit and blending the public with the private realms.


The architectural narrative unfolds through the contrast of static and dynamic elements, mirroring the diverse lifestyles contained within. This dichotomy extends to the building's exterior, where two types of prefabricated cladding — one rugged, the other smooth — articulate the building's dual nature. The design ensures only essential openings punctuate the structure, maintaining its cohesive form.


Texture plays a key role in defining the project's aesthetic and functional identity. Corrugated elements cloak the social spaces, offering privacy while the smooth surfaces provide a calm backdrop to the building's transitional areas, such as staircases, suggesting a serene flow through the space.


Employing prefabricated panels not only streamlines the construction process, making it more efficient and less intrusive but also significantly reduces maintenance costs. This method enhances production value, ensuring a high-quality finish and contributing to the project's overall sustainability and efficiency.

By using prefabricated panels, the solution streamlines the construction process, making it more efficient and less intrusive but also significantly reduces maintenance costs. In addition to the financial benefits of its production, it ensures a high-quality finish and contributes to the project's overall performance.

Project

Ícaro

Location

Almada, Portugal

Client

Câmara Municipal de Almada

Program

Housing

Year

2022

Status

Competition

Area

2.050 m2

Partner in charge

Diogo Sousa Rocha

Design team

Joana Milhais Ferreira; Riccardo Bettini; Filippo Prodi; Federica Simoncelli; Federica Vacca; José Girão Pereira; Ricardo Domingues; Agnese Lombardini; José Queirós; Diogo Parente Mina

Consultants

Adão da Fonseca – Engenheiros Consultores; Oh!Land Studio; Riccardo de Vicenzo; Bisto

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