The architecture of this block of flats is mostly due to the critical reference to an unfortunate context and to the negotiation between the individual and the collective. Developed in one of the famous satellite-dormitory-cities of Bucharest, quiet yet lacking any character – besides the one given by some expensive and anachronic self-referential buildings, appearing from behind some giant fences – this project was from the very beginning marked by a critical-ironical detachment from the context.
text: Mihai Dutescu
photo: Cosmin Dragomir
This article was published in zeppelin magazine number 97.
Starting from the first discussions with the client, the design theme has been formulated under these, somehow ideal terms. The numerous constraints were related to the available technical and constructive means (bearing walls, hollow masonry and conventional thermal insulation), to the orientation (the main façade to the North) and to the plot dimensions (37 x 27 sqm), to the regulations imposed by the city-planning certificate (specific rather to rural architecture, inviting to an aggressive per plot and to the obtaining of a massive and non-functional volume); they have considerably limited the spectrum of options and have aided, as a matter of fact, to the project configuration.
On this line, the interior courtyard, as characteristic typological element, has generated the organization of the entire building. The courtyard imposed itself due to the plot width in relation to the mandatory minimum retreats and to the requirements of establishing a certain degree of illumination and ventilation of the interior spaces, on the one hand, as well as out of the necessity of establishing a public-private hierarchy, on the other hand. Arranged to North, on the side of the main access street, the open courtyard brings forth a “U”-shaped volume, with service areas of the apartments and the staircase opening towards it. Here is the pedestrian access to the building, mediated by some abstract “thresholds” defined by the walls or overhangs marking the different limits of the building.
The functional program is quite typical: underground parking for 10 cars; ground floor, 1st and 2nd floor with three apartments per each level (out of which the ones placed on the ground floor also have private terraces and courtyards), while the 3rd floor contains two large suites and terraces.
Somewhat limited, as I already said, by the usage of conventional construction and finishes, the architectural expression makes reference to the classical Romanian modernism, but then deliberately altered by using some elements that are rather specific to the (peri)urban vernacular architecture: crossings and horizontal fractures in the inflection points of two perpendicular façades, vertical juxtapositions, parasite infestations, rectifications and “errors” – all, expressing a critical reference to the context.
work title: Apartments building
location: Voluntari, Pipera, Ilfov county
architecture: Atelier Mihai Dutescu s.r.l. – Mihai Dutescu (sef de proiect / design arhitect), Cosmin Dragomir, Oana Avram, Elena Balan, Anca Lucia Costache, Daniel Bolojan, Luiza Balaceanu
structural engineering: M & M Birou de Proiectare s.r.l. – Rodica Secman, Ciprian Spulber, Octavian Manoiu
hvac, m & e engineering: AD Clima Consult s.r.l., DD Eurocom s.r.l. – Andrei Minteuan, Silviu Ulmeanu
built area: 1680 m²
year of completion: 2011
