Suburban housing developments often lack planning, leading to disconnected buildings and fragmented spaces that fail to reinforce urban identity. Unlike well-consolidated areas, they lack structured, integrated streets.
Aurora 10 addresses this by creating stronger urban connections. It aligns visually and spatially with its surroundings, fostering continuity and integrating with present and future developments. More than just occupying space, it actively shapes public areas.
While highly rationalized in layout, its façade avoids monolithic rigidity. Light and shadow create vertical panels that contrast with the horizontal balconies, referencing the rhythms of dense urban streets.
Public space in suburban settings is often reduced to leftover areas between scattered buildings. Aurora 10 counters this by extending its program into transitional spaces. The sidewalk merges into a covered gallery, leading to a northern access point designed as both stairs and an informal auditorium. This landmark enhances the urban scale, providing a focal point that strengthens the streetscape.
The building follows an efficient plan, minimizing circulation to maximize usable space. A flexible extra area in the three-bedroom apartments—drawing from the Azorean “middle-of-the-house” concept—adapts to residents’ needs, serving as a study, office, or storage. This enhances quality of life by accommodating everyday and occasional activities.
Interior spaces feature simple geometries with local materials like oak, chestnut, and Estremoz marble. Projecting balconies and recessed glazing optimize views while ensuring privacy and controlling solar gains.
Aurora 10 transforms its lot into a refined, lightweight composition resting on a granite base, reinforcing the link between architecture and the city. More than just a building, it contributes to its environment, setting a precedent for thoughtful development.
