A Visionary Stance on Social Housing: Peris + Toral Arquitectes' Modulus Matrix in Cornellà, Spain Wins RIBA International Prize
Matrix of Remainders upon Division
Crave a peek at the world's latest architectural marvel? Here'sModulus Matrix, an 85-unit timber-framed social housing masterpiece in Cornellà, Spain that's stirring quite the buzz. Designed by Peris + Toral Arquitectes, this project has snatched the prestigious RIBA International Prize for its phenomenal impact on the architectural scene.
Yasujirō Ozu's cinematic exploration of family and generations served as the muses for this breathtaking housing development. Emulating Japanese homes' simplicity and functionality, this project brings to life a modular system of identical rooms, interconnected via enfilade rather than corridors. A brilliant nod to its creative inspiration, the 3.6x3.6-meter tatami mat module underpins this building's matrix-like arrangement centered around a communal courtyard with four circulation cores at each corner.
The 85 apartments are distributed across four floors of 18 apartments each. Four to five dwellings huddle around each core, ensuring fabulous cross-ventilation and dual aspects. Apartments boast between five and six modules, making for two- or three-bedroom units.
Breaking away from the norm, Modulus Matrix champions a 'loose-fit' approach that puts it at the top of the housing game. Its grid-like layout promotes free movement and encourages constant interaction, creating a 'democratic house' where there's no hierarchical distinction between living, dining, or sleeping spaces. The building encourages cultural flexibility, adaptability beyond the traditional nuclear family, and comfortable transition for new living arrangements. Kitchens gravitate towards the apartment centers, challenging traditional gender roles and placing domestic labor front and center.
Modulus Matrix's unique design stems from a focus on rooms, not dwellings, which culminates in a carefully thought-out structure. Refined detailing, consistent dimensions, privacy screens, and shutters for shading complete the look. A mass timber structure teamed with modular construction guarantees a low carbon footprint and a quick construction turnaround.
Volume-wise, Peris + Toral Arquitectes has scooped up a win with an inspiring housing project that showcases a forward-thinking spirit. By adopting a flexible, long-life architecture, it has paved the way for a radical social housing revolution that fosters characters to adapt and inhabit comfortably for the long term. The building brings forth innovative ideas about the idea of a family in housing, serving as an invaluable blueprint for establishing high-quality, sustainable housing around the world.
The architects themselves couldn't resist beaming at this achievement:
"Winning the RIBA International Prize is gratifying acknowledgement for our years-long commitment to crafting homes that offer unique living experiences. We're incredibly proud of the positive feedback from Modulus Matrix residents. Initially hesitant about features like terrace entrances, open kitchens, and corridor-free units, their perspectives have evolved after experiencing this new way of life. They appreciate how it caters to their needs better."
Alongside the International Prize, RIBA has also doled out the International Emerging Architect Award 2024 to ARCity for its Six Bricolage Houses project. Their unique self-built homes in Nantou Ancient City, Shenzen, represent an innovative model for urban revitalization that fulfills community housing needs gracefully. Emphasized by Zhang Yuxing + Han Jing, ARCity Office:
"Winning the RIBA International Emerging Architect Award 2024 is an honor and a significant validation for our groundbreaking experiments. These experiments, rooted in the urban village where the project is based, demonstrate the potential for a harmonious fusion of modernist city design with local spontaneous growth. This synthesis breeds a 'contradictory unity' full of contrasts, such as old and new, heritage and contemporary life, wealth and poverty, and nature and construction. By designing this paradox, we aim to create delightful mixed-use spaces and lively civic realms, unleashing the greatest potential for sustainable growth from the birth."
(All images courtesy of Peris + Toral Arquitectes & ARCity Office)
Click here to peruse the full 2024 RIBA International Prize shortlist!
In a nutshell, Modulus Matrix embodies the epitome of transformative social housing design. Its ingenious modular flexibility, sustainable construction, focus on shared spaces, and Japanese design inspiration make it a shining example in contemporary urban housing.
This architectural marvel, Modulus Matrix, isn't just about housing, it's about fostering relationships and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. Its modular system, inspired by Japanese homes, encourages interaction and adaptability, breaking away from traditional notions of living space. Moreover, the focus on shared spaces within a home-and-garden setting underlines a commitment to environmentally-friendly, sustainable-living principles.
