COLLECTIVE HOUSING, CARCAVELOS, CASCAIS , 2019
The design for the new municipal housing complex in Carcavelos, developed for the public competition launched by the Municipality of Cascais, is based on the co-life concept, inspired by cohousing and coliving models. The proposal seeks to integrate more flexible, accessible and community-oriented ways of living, promoting interaction between different generations and social profiles. The sharing of spaces and services reduces individual costs while strengthening the sense of community.
The development comprises 80 housing units for young couples and families, and 60 student residence units. The spatial organisation prioritises permeability, typological flexibility and a direct relationship with the surrounding landscape. Support services—such as coworking spaces, a library, meeting rooms, leisure areas, a cafeteria and a laundry—are shared among all residents, fostering a collaborative management model in which students may also take on support roles.
The site is located at the intersection of a large agricultural area, the urban fabric and the urban park. The proposal takes advantage of the topography and solar orientation, reorganising movement routes and creating connections through the park. The layout of the buildings forms a “U” shape that closes the plot to the north and opens to the south towards sea views and sunlight, ensuring both visual and physical continuity with the park.
Two parallel blocks oriented northwest/southeast accommodate the housing units, while a northeast/southwest block contains the student residence. A shared platform connects the three volumes, functioning as a space for circulation, leisure and transition to the semi-buried parking level.
The ground floor also integrates potential commercial and community spaces, strengthening the relationship between interior and exterior and promoting public life. Green terraces and courtyards extend the community character, enabling interaction between residents and the local community, consolidating the identity of the co-life development.
Architecture: Maria João Patronilho | Joana Vilhena de Carvalho
Mariana Raio | Renata Pinto de Almeida
Landscape Architecture: Nuno Jacinto
Engineering: ENG360
Digital Visualizations: Vasco Lopes
Drawings for Publication: Atelier66 | Mariana Morais