The present architectural design study proposes eight typologies for the construction of standardised social housing units. More specifically, it is proposed to construct different types of rooms, apartments and houses for rent with the aim of covering the housing needs mainly of the weakest groups in society. The main objective of the design proposal is the creation of multiple housing units which may be used either as a permanent place of residence or as a holiday home for the working classes.

Type A proposes the creation of two bedroom apartments, which are arranged in a row. As a result, linear blocks are formed, which oriented towards the east-west axis are arranged one behind the other, thus leaving large open spaces in-between. Type B is a variation of type A, proposing slightly larger apartments with one more bedroom to the south side. Type C proposes the design of separate rooms with a bathroom, accessible from vertical cores of stairs. The linear buildings that are formed by placing typical rooms one next to the other can work as tourist facilities and can offer affordable tourist accommodation. Type D and type E are variations of type B, the main difference being that one can have access to the rooms from a semi open-air corridor. Type F has to do with small single-family courtyard houses which can be arranged in a row and create linear structures. Type G has also to do with designing single storey houses each one with a separate entrance, but without an interior courtyard. Type H is basically a different version of type G, the main difference being that the houses are two storey and can accommodate two families under the same roof.

The building method chosen for the proposed social housing units is conventional construction. The load bearing structure is made from reinforced concrete, masonry is made from bricks and plaster covers the walls. All units are aligned with the east-west axis, thus making it possible for the buildings to benefit the most from the sunlight throughout the day. Large openings are always positioned to the south side which is normally occupied by the living spaces, while smaller openings are positioned towards the north side which is normally occupied by the kitchen, the bathroom and the bedrooms. Matching large south openings with small north ones makes ventilation of spaces easier as well.

The simple form of the buildings represents an informed decision and aims at emphasising the logic behind the construction itself. The austere design and the avoidance of the use of unnecessary formal resources, functionality and the pursue of the best use of space, standardisation and the use of fewer financial and technical means, are the main principles followed, with the aim of reducing the amount of time required for constructing the proposed structures along with cutting down on construction costs. Designing this way can make renting the proposed structures affordable even for the weakest groups in society.

Architectural Design: Panagiotis Zakkas, Architect

Project Year: 2017