INTERelationships is a pilot, sustainable, collective housing, supported living complex with public usages that hosts
vulnerable groups of people living in a collective community. The social impact of the project is important because it
(re)integrates these people with work and joint participation in a multitude of activities with city residents. It may
thus become a cultural attraction where interpersonal relationships develop through social, cultural and leisure
revenue-generated activities run by tenants. Fundamental aim of the project is to demonstrate that UD fits into
buildings or complexes with modern aesthetics by proposing a sustainable dwelling model. Sustainability is defined in
terms of Infrastructure (Zero Energy), User (Universal Design, Health Monitoring Technology, Community Living,
Social Integration, Potential Job offer) and Operation Management (full Human and Spatial Resources Utilization, Zero
Waste, Water Management).

Architecture, Construction & Design Awards 2020
First Award |  Housing (upto 5 floors) (Concept)

©Constantinos Yanniotis

INSPIRATION

The whole synthesis develops around the unobstructed z-shaped movement of the passer-by accessing the property, crossing through its heart via flat accesses and gentle rise ramps, entering the building and finally climbing up to the planted rooftop via the Stairwell Exhibition spaces. Scrupulous combination of circulation and resting areas offers relaxation opportunities. The passerby may cross the heart of the complex, make a short stop, cool and continue their course, thus contributing to the complex social character.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The complex consists of two Residential Unit Blocks and the Stairwell Exhibition Block that accommodates all circulation and connection paths. There are three entrances leading to the main courtyard, two of which are fully accessible. The z-shaped courtyard, hosts a swimming pool with pool bar, an indoor cafe and the exterior exhibition spaces visually connected to the ancient masonry relics found inside the body of the main building. The pool area nests in the restored perimetric neoclassical masonry, thus serving as a scenography setting. The ascending movement evolves into the Stairwell Exhibition Block accessing the creative workshops, the multipurpose room and Architecture Construction Design Awards 2020 the Management office spaces, concluding to the rooftop where the cocktail bar, the playground and the outdoor screenings are positioned. These public usages are run by the tenants thus contributing to operational sustainability.

©Constantinos Yanniotis

DESIGN CHALLENGES

The morphological and functional incorporation of the masonry remains of the two, two-storey neoclassical buildings and of the ancient masonry relics. Both elements were preserved and showcased.

THE STAIRWELL CONCEPT:

The Stairwell can support other uses and serve as a useful space for tenants. The relevance and visual contact with the antiquities serve as a meaningful connection between modern and ancient art in its function as an Exhibition space.

COMMUNITY LIVING

As part of this development and growth, different typologies of services are incorporated, beginning with group homes, foster care, and then a variety of new and innovative services such as early intervention, family support services, supportive living and “related services” (e.g., supported employment, supported housing). The Apartments of the complex are designed in order to allow Independency, Accessibility, Privacy, Family (or Supporting Team) controlled intervention boosting self-esteem and dignity. A consultancy room equipped with the necessary fixtures and cloud server, serves as a small medical center for the health monitoring of the tenants. The Pubic Usages offer Supportive Employment opportunities, satisfying the Social Needs of the tenants through social,
cultural and leisure revenue-generated activities necessary for the operation and economic growth of the Complex.

©Constantinos Yanniotis

SUSTAINABILITY

Fundamental aim of the project is to propose a Sustainable Dwelling Model. Sustainability is defined in terms of Infrastructure (Zero Energy), User (Universal Design, Health monitoring Technology, Social Integration, Community Living, Supported Employment) and Operation Management (Utilization of complex resources-both human and spatial, Zero Waste).