Excerpt: ‘Living Metamorphosis’ is an architecture thesis by Cäcilia Halbgewachs from the ‘TUM Department of Architecture’ that seeks to create a sustainable, adaptable housing model that responds naturally to seasonal climate conditions. It seeks to minimize energy use through passive design, promote user participation in climate control, and provide a resilient, low-tech solution for future urban living—especially in the context of climate change.
Introduction: Barcelona’s architectural style, blending traditional and contemporary elements, stands out as a leader in integrating durable, low-tech construction with passive climate design suited to the Mediterranean environment. As climate change progresses, this architectural approach is likely to gain importance across other European regions. LIVING METAMORPHOSIS is a dynamic residential building designed to adapt to seasonal changes. Situated at the intersection of El Raval, Sant Antoni, and El Poble Sec, the sharply angled corner building contains 48 apartments distributed across six floors.
The project aims to create a socially connected living environment that encourages interaction among residents through shared spaces. It also strives to enhance year-round comfort by integrating passive climate control strategies that adapt to seasonal changes.
The Location: Barcelona’s unique blend of traditional and contemporary architecture leads the way in merging resilient, low-tech construction methods with passive climate design strategies tailored to the Mediterranean climate. This synergy is expected to become increasingly relevant in Germany as the impacts of climate change intensify. The Living Metamorphosis serves as a future-proof prototype—a flexible, adaptable dwelling designed to respond to seasonal weather variations.
Concept Model | Backyard
Located at the convergence of the El Raval, Sant Antoni, and El Poble Sec districts, the building occupies a sharp corner of a block sliced diagonally. This location is continually influenced by the land-sea breeze system, with winds funneled through Avenida del Paralelo, a direct route to the harbor.
Final Outcome
Site Plan | Ground Floor Plan
Living Spaces as a Threshold: The building comprises 48 apartments distributed across six floors, designed around an open-plan living concept that blurs the boundary between urban space with a climate-regulating patio. The kitchen connects directly to a compact entrance area, encouraging interaction among residents within the triangular patio. Every apartment faces this courtyard and benefits from its natural ventilation system, driven by the chimney effect.
Standard Floor PlanSection | Façade Detail
Functions: The Living Metamorphosis changes its behavior with the seasons—an adaptability that is visually apparent. Residents actively participate in its passive climate regulation. During hot days, the building opens up toward the city, extending its blinds to shade its thick façade from the sun. Interior spaces retain the coolness of the night through thermal mass, maintaining comfort until later in the day. When temperatures rise too much, warm and stale air is drawn upward and expelled through the chimney-like courtyard.
In winter, the building effectively “hibernates,” sealing itself and conserving heat. Its ceilings and outer façade absorb solar energy during the day and release stored warmth into the interior overnight.
How Does the Living Metamorphosis Function in Barcelona?
Each living and private room is designed for optimal cross-ventilation, allowing stale air to be drawn out via the central chimney. Windows and doors are located on opposing sides, and the depth of the longest room is limited to no more than two and a half times its height—ensuring efficient airflow and natural ventilation.
The structure of Living Metamorphosis is built for thermal resilience. Its robust design includes an 80 cm thick masonry envelope and a 60 cm thick vaulted ceiling, which help moderate indoor temperatures by absorbing and slowly releasing heat or coolness over time.
Climatic Response: Summer (Left) And Winter (Right)Facade Front View
To enhance the cooling effect, the fireplace on the lower three floors has a direct opening to the coolest area of the house—a shaded backyard located on the north-facing side.
Only essential building services are installed to maximize reliability and minimize complexity. This simplicity makes the home user-friendly and easy to manage. Residents can make seasonal adjustments themselves, maintaining full control over the indoor climate.
Living Room | Entrance And Cooking AreaArcade | Patio Roofing
The building’s adaptive functions are intuitive, enabling all residents to participate equally in operating and maintaining the system. Interior spaces are designed with longevity and reparability in mind, and natural, non-toxic materials are used—materials that can be separated and recycled—creating a healthy and sustainable living environment.
Film Course Of The Sun
Conclusion: The project serves as a future-proof model for climate-responsive architecture in urban Mediterranean settings. Through its passive design strategies, durable construction, and user-centered adaptability, it bridges tradition and innovation, empowering residents to manage seasonal changes naturally and intuitively.
[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]
Site Context
Final Outcome
To submit your academic project for publication at ArchiDiaries, please visit the following link >> Submit
Get the best of ArchiDiaries, directly in your inbox.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.