Fran Silvestre Arquitectos is an Architecture and Design firm based in Valencia, Spain. Composed of a multidisciplinary group of professionals, it develops residential, cultural, corporate or public projects around the world, with clients in Europe, the United States and Russia. The studio has received international awards and recognitions throughout its trajectory, such as the MHK Berlin in 2009, the Red Dot Design Award in 2013, the NYCxDESIGN 2016 Awards in New York, the German Design Award 2016 or the First Prize in the Product Design Category at the XIII Spanish Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism 2016.
What do you think makes Poolins different and why do our pools coexist so well with your exciting NIU systemized housing project?
First of all, we believe that what sets Poolins apart is its work philosophy, which is perfectly in tune with design and the constant search to push the limits with products that, although mass-produced, are adapted to individual needs. This applies both to individual customers and to specific projects, as is the case with NIU and the production of systematized housing.
What do you think is the future of swimming pools and how should they be correctly integrated into living spaces?
Throughout history, water-containing spaces, such as fountains, water mirrors, hot springs, swimming pools, etc., have played a fundamental role in people’s lives, serving as a space dedicated to leisure and contemplation. Its significance has lasted from ancient times to the present day, and we are convinced that this relevance will continue to be a constant in the future.
What will undoubtedly influence the success between one and the other is not limited exclusively to swimming pools, but to all the objects and materials we use.
“It is essential that the respect for the environment permeates every stage, from manufacturing and transportation to use and eventual disposal.”
The key will lie in the adoption of environmentally friendly practices throughout the life cycle of these objects and materials: from their production and transport, to their use and eventual disposal. In this perspective, the emerging circular economy will be a key player, promoting reuse, recycling and waste reduction. However, the challenge will be to ensure that this transition to a circular economy does not compromise the quality of materials and design excellence, aspects that have been hallmarks of Poolins.
What is the relevance of systematization in contemporary architecture?
In the case of NIU Houses, it is the reduction of deadlines to a third of traditional processes, through dry construction techniques, there is no setting, and the elements are designed in advance to be assembled, so it is not necessary to measure or cut as the pieces are already formed. In this way, the system makes it possible to stock elements that are repeated on site and the delivery of the houses is guaranteed within a closed period of three months from the date of purchase.
In addition, the simplification and optimization of the processes ensures that the manufacturing chain is very efficient and is carried out in a programmed manner and without waste. This allows prices to be adjusted and a budget to be closed from the outset.
On the other hand, sustainability. The properties are designed to have the minimum energy consumption and have renewable energy generation systems. From the manufacturing process of the house itself, the carbon footprint is reduced by avoiding the debris typical of traditional construction. These houses are 100% recycled. The concept is zero waste because you don’t build, you assemble. Therefore, you don’t demolish, you disassemble and reuse these materials, generating a circular economy.
What cultural and welfare contribution do you think the proximity of water to architecture brings?
Many cultures have had a historically profound relationship with water, which has influenced their architecture and ways of life. The Mediterranean culture is a clear example of this, of how life develops around water. The presence of water has always inspired architects and designers to create unique spaces that interact harmoniously with their aquatic surroundings, as the presence of water has a calming effect on people.
The sound of moving water can have relaxing properties that contribute to mental and emotional well-being and spaces near water often become places where people seek to relax and unwind.
Aesthetically it has an extraordinary value, the reflection of water, these caustics that we often see reflected on walls and ceilings can create unique visual effects, and its movement can add dynamism and serenity to the environment.
