MVRDV's groundbreaking residential project, Ziel, has been granted construction approval in Montevideo, Uruguay. The design concept of Ziel is an assemblage of individual homes stacked in an open and porous manner, allowing abundant light and fresh air to permeate the entire structure. This unique approach creates a welcoming environment filled with open and green spaces for residents of all ages to enjoy and share. Ziel, developed in collaboration with IXOU and Monoblock, marks MVRDV's first venture in Uruguay.Strategically located near the coastline of Montevideo, Ziel occupies a corner lot adjacent to Villa Biarritz park, which acts as the green heart of the densely populated Punta Carretas neighborhood. Leveraging the deep plot and blind walls of neighboring buildings, the design incorporates a central courtyard to ensure optimal natural light for every apartment. The greenery from the park seamlessly extends throughout the structure, spanning from the courtyard to private terraces and shared patios on various levels.Inspired by the concept of country villas embedded within a bustling city, Ziel aims to provide a balance between urban and suburban living. Each apartment boasts a generous balcony or loggia, and the varied floor plans result in ten distinct layouts among the 40 homes, mostly featuring three bedrooms. Additionally, there is a two-bedroom unit on the first floor and four spacious four-bedroom corner apartments on the upper levels.Jacob van Rijs, founding partner of MVRDV, explains the vision behind Ziel, stating, "In Montevideo, like in many other cities, it's common for families to move away and buy a villa in the countryside, reducing the vitality of the city. What if we could offer them the villa they desire while keeping them within the urban environment, providing a combination of urban and suburban lifestyles? With Ziel, we attempt to provide a prototypical solution that merges the two seamlessly."Frans de Witte, partner at MVRDV, emphasizes the goal of creating a family-friendly city, stating, "Our design aims to demonstrate that you can experience the spaciousness and connection with nature usually associated with the countryside while living on the tenth floor in the heart of the city. We believe the city should be inclusive, catering to families with children."The building features shared patios on the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth floors, creating two-story open spaces that connect the street and the courtyard. These patios, adorned with lush greenery, bring natural light and fresh air to the deep courtyard. They add visual interest for both inner apartment residents, who enjoy views beyond the courtyard, and passersby who can appreciate the interior of the building. These "sky gardens" share a common design language while offering a range of unique characteristics and activities, along with unobstructed views of the nearby ocean.Residents of Ziel will enjoy an array of amenities, including a rooftop lounge and dining area with a lushly landscaped shared terrace and swimming pool. Additional facilities such as a gym and spa are located on the lower levels. A prominent ground floor corner hosts a restaurant, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhood.The architectural design of Ziel envisions a series of stacked stone blocks, each displaying complementary colors that create a harmonious palette of warm, earthy tones. The distinct types of stone used in the facade differentiate each apartment, highlighting its individuality, while bronze window frames unite the exterior finishes.Pursuing LEED-Platinum certification, the building incorporates various sustainable features. The design includes extensive overhangs to limit solar gain and maximize energy efficiency. The porous structure allows natural ventilation, minimizing the need for artificial cooling. Solar panels on the roof contribute to the building's energy requirements, while the extensive greenery enhances the neighborhood's biodiversity. A water capture and retention system supports the irrigation needs of the building's green spaces, further reducing its impact on the local environment.
MVRDV's groundbreaking residential project, Ziel, has been granted construction approval in Montevideo, Uruguay. The design concept of Ziel is an assemblage of individual homes stacked in an open and porous manner, allowing abundant light and fresh air to permeate the entire structure. This unique approach creates a welcoming environment filled with open and green spaces for residents of all ages to enjoy and share. Ziel, developed in collaboration with IXOU and Monoblock, marks MVRDV's first venture in Uruguay.Strategically located near the coastline of Montevideo, Ziel occupies a corner lot adjacent to Villa Biarritz park, which acts as the green heart of the densely populated Punta Carretas neighborhood. Leveraging the deep plot and blind walls of neighboring buildings, the design incorporates a central courtyard to ensure optimal natural light for every apartment. The greenery from the park seamlessly extends throughout the structure, spanning from the courtyard to private terraces and shared patios on various levels.Inspired by the concept of country villas embedded within a bustling city, Ziel aims to provide a balance between urban and suburban living. Each apartment boasts a generous balcony or loggia, and the varied floor plans result in ten distinct layouts among the 40 homes, mostly featuring three bedrooms. Additionally, there is a two-bedroom unit on the first floor and four spacious four-bedroom corner apartments on the upper levels.Jacob van Rijs, founding partner of MVRDV, explains the vision behind Ziel, stating, "In Montevideo, like in many other cities, it's common for families to move away and buy a villa in the countryside, reducing the vitality of the city. What if we could offer them the villa they desire while keeping them within the urban environment, providing a combination of urban and suburban lifestyles? With Ziel, we attempt to provide a prototypical solution that merges the two seamlessly."Frans de Witte, partner at MVRDV, emphasizes the goal of creating a family-friendly city, stating, "Our design aims to demonstrate that you can experience the spaciousness and connection with nature usually associated with the countryside while living on the tenth floor in the heart of the city. We believe the city should be inclusive, catering to families with children."The building features shared patios on the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth floors, creating two-story open spaces that connect the street and the courtyard. These patios, adorned with lush greenery, bring natural light and fresh air to the deep courtyard. They add visual interest for both inner apartment residents, who enjoy views beyond the courtyard, and passersby who can appreciate the interior of the building. These "sky gardens" share a common design language while offering a range of unique characteristics and activities, along with unobstructed views of the nearby ocean.Residents of Ziel will enjoy an array of amenities, including a rooftop lounge and dining area with a lushly landscaped shared terrace and swimming pool. Additional facilities such as a gym and spa are located on the lower levels. A prominent ground floor corner hosts a restaurant, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhood.The architectural design of Ziel envisions a series of stacked stone blocks, each displaying complementary colors that create a harmonious palette of warm, earthy tones. The distinct types of stone used in the facade differentiate each apartment, highlighting its individuality, while bronze window frames unite the exterior finishes.Pursuing LEED-Platinum certification, the building incorporates various sustainable features. The design includes extensive overhangs to limit solar gain and maximize energy efficiency. The porous structure allows natural ventilation, minimizing the need for artificial cooling. Solar panels on the roof contribute to the building's energy requirements, while the extensive greenery enhances the neighborhood's biodiversity. A water capture and retention system supports the irrigation needs of the building's green spaces, further reducing its impact on the local environment.
