The social housing complex of 63 apartments is intended for single and family citizens, whose income ranges from 30 to 50% of the regional average. His site is a former wasteland next to a tram stop: for 20 years this place has been a center of criminal activity.
The architects incorporated measures to ensure the safety of passengers in their project: now balconies, an open lobby and a staircase tower of the new house go to the bus stop, so the criminals are afraid of being noticed. Also at street level, there is space for a shop and cafe, and the sidewalk is well lit thanks to the glazed wall of the “common room” for residents on the ground floor. So that what is happening inside could not be seen from the street, the glass is covered with a "barcode" pattern. There are indoor and outdoor bicycle parking.
The project improved the environmental situation in the area by default: the toxic soil of the wasteland was completely cleared before construction. Due to the conditions of the site, most of the windows face west and east, but they are protected from the heat of the sun by the facade cladding panels, and the windows in the balcony niches, if possible, face south and north.
Solar panels with a capacity of 34 kW are installed on the roof, which provide electricity to the common areas. During the construction, materials were used with minimal impact on the environment: for example, materials in the interiors do not emit volatile organic compounds. In addition, a water-permeable pavement and drought-resistant landscape design, LED lamps in the corridors and a reflective roof covering were used.
The complex is included in an array with a high building density (76 apartments / 0.4 ha), the purpose of which is to turn the disadvantaged area into an attractive place to live and a popular interchange hub.
La Valentina Station has a budget of $ 14 million and a total area of 6,264 m2.
