Patio Houses in Menorca

The complex comprises a cluster of flexible volumes formed with a sensitivity to the surroundings. Placed in the southern part of the site where vegetation and site impact are minimal, the co-commune takes advantage of the topographical difference between north and south in order to take shelter from the northern Tramontane winds during winter days. In summer, its porous arrangement allows air to flow through the entire complex and generate comfortable spaces in between its volumes. The communal facilities are distributed along a horizontal axis, producing diverse activities while generating interesting intermediate open spaces.

Each of the 50 housing units is divided into three pitched volumes. The central volume works as a patio welcoming natural light, capturing energy during winter and generating ventilation through summer. The two attached volumes are topped by chimneys gaining solar energy in winter and producing the “Venturi effect” on summer days. Air chambers are placed underneath the floor slabs to ventilate the volumes, moderating the temperature throughout the year.