atop a hill positioned at the edge of a meadow, the 'el nodo housing' by spanish practice EXIT architects has a promontory view

 of the city of avilés, spain. resulting from local regulations, the residential block is comprised of two neighboring structures 

which are internally connected with a shared basement. lifted above the street, the ground storey is turned into a sheltered, 
outdoor public plaza containing benches oriented to observe the adjacent estuary and gather to socialize. the exterior's industrial character 
is derived from the encompassing urban context, unifying the neighboring structures with a metal and glass skin. the facade is 
wrapped with steel sheets which have been torn or bent to form windows and balconies. 

internal configurations within the apartments have been compacted within intermediary levels to enable the minimally programmed 
entry level and spacious double-storey penthouse units. the upper portion of the elevation has also been lightened by enclosing
larger areas with windows and reducing density by eliminating portions of the building mass. walls surrounding the stairways are 
perforated generating a soft glow as the vertical circulation paths remain illuminated at night.



views of the building from the estuary
images © miguel de guzmán