37º IAHS World Congress on Housing: - Universidad de Cantabria

XXXVII <strong>IAHS</strong><strong>World</strong> <strong>Congress</strong> on HousingOctober 26 – 29, 2010, Santander, SpainCODE: 223APARTMENTS FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE IN A BUILDINGDESIGNED AS A RETIREMENT HOMELuis Ortiz, Pepe Martínez, Xabier GesalagaArquitecturaLKS. Mondragon Corporation.C/ Geldo - Parque Tecnológico de BizkaiaEdificio 700.E-48160-DERIO (Bizkaia) - SPAINEmail;lortiz@lksingenieria.esKey words: adaptable, building energy efficiency, life cycleAbastractThe building as a model for conceiving a projectThe future of the construction industry will be a science of what to do with the builtenvironment rather than the classical problem of what is needed to be built.The necessary areas for living, working and entertainment are probably already built, but weneed to update them to comply with the new codes, the new needs and the new uses of oursociety.For this reason we are looking at new ways of addressing our profession:Firstly we have to decide whether a new way of living requires a new space or if there isalready an existing space available.Secondly, we have to adapt the chosen space to the new requirements of society and thenew codes and regulations.Thirdly, we have to think about the sustainable and energetic needs, in order to updatethe building to the new efficiency requirements in terms of energy.Life cicleWe want to add a vision of life cycle to a building in terms of changing and updating.With this vision we are looking for “quality existing buildings” and for a way of designing“versatile frameworks” and layouts allowing for future renovation and refurbishments.Therefore our research is two pronged:1.- Identify examples of transformable buildings2.- Looking for a design strategy that allows for easy changes of use.37º <strong>IAHS</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Congress</strong> On Housing Science 124