Sanctuary

The strategy for the project is triggered by an image of a plant thriving in the crevices of rocks. This image is both a spatial metaphor and guiding principle to organize residential units in an un-ideal urban condition like a plant growing on a rock.

A corner plot located at a juncture between two different characteristics of a neighbourhood was the site for this small apartment project. Climatically, the longer side is exposed to extreme west sun, additionally, both the west and south sides facing the street are exposed to blaring traffic noise on peak hours. This un-ideal urban condition for a residential apartment prompted us to block the sun and reduce noise through passive means. We proposed a block that signifies a ‘rock’ - geometric in it’s formation with plants growing where-ever they could find surfaces. Along the west are openings like apertures scattered organically allowing for porosity in parts of the elevation where an increased density of foliage can be seen while maintaining minimum opening onto the facade. For the south elevation, deep recessed balconies and second-layer facade with openings allow for a second line of defense.