Highlights
Year: 2017-2023
Location: Porto, Portugal
Size: 9350 M2
Type: Commission
Engineering: A3r Engenharia, Tekk – Engenheiros Consultores, Fluimep – Mechanical, Electrical And Plumbing Consulting, Alfaengenharia – Acoustic And Civil Engineering
Landscape: P4 – Artes E Técnicas Da Paisagem
Visualizations: Fusão
Status: Built
In the heart of Porto, Portugal, a new beacon of architectural ingenuity has emerged, designed specifically to cater to the bustling student community of the city’s largest university campus. The Hoso student residence, a project by OODA, showcases the power and potential of prefabricated construction, blending innovative design with practical functionality. This unique approach not only accelerates the construction timeline but also ensures sustainability and high quality, setting a new standard for student housing.
Optimized Design for Maximum Efficiency
The Hoso tower stands out with its cylindrical shape, a deliberate choice that optimizes spatial organization and flexibility. Unlike traditional rectangular buildings, the circular design minimizes the area required for hallways and corridors, dedicating more space to the living quarters. This thoughtful layout ensures that each student has a comfortable and private area while maintaining easy access to shared amenities.
The centralization of infrastructure within the building is another key aspect. By placing common areas and utilities at the core, the design simplifies maintenance and reduces the complexity of service delivery. Each floor plan is open to the outside, allowing for natural light and ventilation, which enhances the living experience for residents.
Prefabrication: Speed and Sustainability
One of the standout features of the Hoso residence is its use of prefabricated construction methods. This approach involves manufacturing building components off-site in a controlled environment and then assembling them on location. For Hoso, this method proved highly effective, reducing construction costs and timelines by approximately 30%.
Each floor of the Hoso tower was assembled in just one week, a remarkable feat that underscores the efficiency of prefabrication. The prefabricated pieces were built in fabric and transported to the site, where they were swiftly put together. This method not only sped up the construction process but also minimized waste and the overall carbon footprint. By stacking and transporting components efficiently, the project achieved significant reductions in material waste and transportation emissions.
Sustainable Living with a Thoughtful Facade
Sustainability is at the core of Hoso’s design. The facade of the building plays a crucial role in this aspect, offering protection from sun exposure and reducing noise pollution from nearby roads. This dual functionality ensures a comfortable living environment for students while maintaining energy efficiency.
The facade also includes a series of balconies that wrap around the building, providing each unit with an outdoor space. These balconies not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the tower but also serve practical purposes. They act as sunshades, reducing heat gain during the hot summer months, and offer students a private area to relax and enjoy the view.
Community and Connectivity
Hoso is not just about individual living spaces; it’s about fostering a sense of community among students. The ground floor and rooftop terrace are dedicated to collective uses, providing spaces for social interaction, study groups, and relaxation. The rooftop terrace, in particular, is a highlight, offering panoramic views of Porto and a place for students to unwind and connect.
The building’s integration into the urban fabric of Porto’s university campus also enhances connectivity. Positioned strategically to fill an urban void created by the inner belt motorway, Hoso bridges the gaps in the city’s landscape, making it a central hub for student life.
Conclusion
Hoso, the student residence in Porto, exemplifies how innovative architectural design and prefabricated construction can transform student housing. By prioritizing efficiency, sustainability, and community, this project sets a new benchmark for future developments. As cities continue to grow and the demand for student accommodation rises, the lessons learned from Hoso’s construction will undoubtedly inspire similar projects worldwide, proving that fast construction can indeed be high-quality and eco-friendly. For more details, visit the Hoso project page.
