Valois Building

The Housing Building is silently inserted in the neighborhood of Las Mercedes, a low-scale residential area in Asunción on a constant transformation or densification process.

The construction is true and honest and implements rammed earth as a basic tectonic. The idea is to propose this construction system, usually perceived as rural or vernacular, as an urban possibility

The design proposes new possibilities of inhabiting, understanding the climatic complexities of the subtropics, and attending to specific pertinent socio-cultural characteristics, where we recognize the importance of the participation and collaboration of artisans and masters who are knowledgeable about the technique.

The apartments, separated by a block of stairs, culminate in a terrace that allows a glimpse of the neighborhood, the sky, the Chaco landscape, and the Paraguay River.

The rammed-earth structure is detached from the property line with an open and ventilated gallery covered with a metal mesh that acts as a green veil and light filter.

In addition to giving flowers and aromas to the neighborhood, it protects the building from the sun and rain.

An attractive shaded intermediate space is created.

One of the main objectives was to generate the most negligible impact in a traditional Asuncion neighborhood.