The construction permit for MVRDV's 15-story residential building "Ziel" in Montevideo, Uruguay has been approved, marking the Dutch architectural firm's first venture in the country. The building, designed for developer IXOU in collaboration with executive architect Monoblock, is set to transform city living with its unique design centered around light, air, and green spaces.

Situated a block away from the ocean and adjacent to Villa Biarritz Park in the dense Punta Carretas neighborhood, the design of Ziel utilizes its deep plot and neighboring buildings' blind walls to create an open and permeable structure. The project includes a courtyard and a series of individual homes stacked loosely to ensure each apartment receives adequate sunlight, while extending the park's greenery throughout the structure.

Envisioned as a stack of country villas within a bustling city, the project includes 40 apartments, each with generous balconies or loggias. The shifting floorplans offer a variety of ten unique layouts, predominantly featuring three bedrooms, with a few two and four-bedroom units.

MVRDV founding partner, Jacob van Rijs, commented on the project's vision, stating, "What if we were able to give them the villa they want, and keep them in the city at the same time, offering a combination of urban and suburban lifestyle? Here, we attempt to give a prototypical solution to combine the two."

The building's design includes a series of "sky gardens" on the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth floors, shared by all residents. Each of these patios creates a two-story open space connecting the street and the courtyard. They are designed to bring in light and fresh air while offering residents and pedestrians alike unique views and spaces for various activities.

A wealth of amenities will be available to residents, including a roof lounge and dining room accompanied by a shared terrace with lush landscaping and a swimming pool. A gym, spa, and ground-floor restaurant are also planned to enhance the vibrancy of the neighborhood.

The building's exterior showcases a harmonious blend of warm, earthy tones achieved through the use of four different types of stone, with bronze window frames tying the finishes together.

Ziel targets LEED-Platinum certification, emphasizing MVRDV's commitment to sustainable design. Energy consumption is minimized through strategic building overhangs that limit solar gain, and the porous structure promotes natural ventilation. Solar panels on the roof will contribute to the building's energy supply, and a water capture and retention system will reduce the building's environmental impact.

This project aims to revolutionize city living by blending the spaciousness and greenery of the countryside with the convenience of city life, redefining the urban and suburban lifestyle dichotomy in Montevideo.