(Daria Scagliola/CASACOR)
Located in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, the Gomila Project is an initiative by
MVRDV + GRAS that seeks to create an urban renewal project to transform the historic neighborhood of
El Terreno . The architects' proposal is to create a sustainable and urban space – which stands out for its unique colors and shapes.
(Daria Scagliola/CASACOR)
The space is made up of seven buildings,
each highlighted with its own distinct color and material . “Gomila is an exciting architectural project – each of the seven buildings can stand alone as its own individual design, and at the same time, they are also carefully considered as a whole that gives Gomila a new impetus”, says MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs.
(Daria Scagliola/CASACOR)
In addition to providing private and public amenities for residents, the buildings were constructed around an
urban square that stretches along the city's harbor – an iconic symbol that is of
historical importance to the city .
The project aims to revive the
city’s once famous cultural fabric – which was once renowned as a hub for artists, clubs and nightlife.
Sustainability
(Daria Scagliola/CASACOR)
Sustainable design principles include high thermal efficiency and some
passive climate control measures , such as blinds and
cross ventilation , which help reduce electrical energy needs.
(Daria Scagliola/CASACOR)
Other strategies include adding
solar panels to roofs to take advantage of sunlight hours, while heat recovery systems
further reduce the buildings' energy consumption . This makes each building energy neutral, and the
sustainable materials selected contribute to reducing the carbon produced during construction. The next phases of the project will add two more buildings to the complex: a yellow Virginia House and a small villa next to the Gomila Center – both renovations of existing buildings in the neighborhood.
