Project: Hoso Tower
Architecture: OODA
Location: Porto, Portugal
Area: 9350 m2
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Fernando Guerra
The Hoso tower, designed by OODA, is a striking new addition to the largest university campus in Porto, Portugal. Destined for student accommodation, this cylindrical structure fills an urban void created by the discontinuities of the inner belt motorway. Its unique design integrates seamlessly with the surrounding orthogonal volumes, providing a visually compelling and functional solution for student housing.
Optimized Design and Prefabricated Construction
The cylindrical form of the Hoso tower offers an optimized spatial organization that enhances flexibility and reduces circulation areas. This layout allows for the efficient use of space, with modules that centralize infrastructure and open plans that connect directly to the outside. The tower’s construction leverages a prefabricated concrete structure, where each piece is built off-site and assembled on-site. This method reduces both construction costs and time by 30%, with each floor taking just one week to assemble. The use of prefabricated components also minimizes waste and the project’s carbon footprint, ensuring high quality and environmental sustainability.
A Functional and Aesthetic Façade
The façade of the Hoso tower is designed to provide both functional and aesthetic benefits. It acts as a protective barrier against sun exposure and noise pollution from the nearby roads, ensuring a comfortable living environment for students. The design also incorporates balconies around the building’s perimeter, which add to the visual appeal while offering privacy and outdoor space for residents. The tower’s upper and lower levels, along with the ground floor, are dedicated to collective uses, enhancing the communal aspect of student life.
Panoramic Views from the Roof Terrace
The crown jewel of the Hoso tower is its roof terrace, which offers panoramic views of Porto and the surrounding areas. This space is designed as a communal area where students can relax and take in the scenic vistas, making it a perfect spot for social gatherings and relaxation. The Hoso tower by OODA not only provides functional student accommodation but also contributes to the urban landscape of Porto, becoming a new landmark in the city’s university district.
