“The architectural lessons offered by 85 VPO’s unconventional design process are numerous and valuable indeed. 85 VPO demonstrates that “form follows material” – in this case mass timber – can lead to a surprisingly unconventional architecture, even in a complex field such as social housing. It shows that a seemingly simple, fixed grid of generously sized rooms with enfilades of openings contains all sorts of different conditions, can accommodate all sorts of programmatic requirements, and is adaptable to all sorts of changes with minimum effort. Architectural rigour has never been so flexible”.

— Rafael Gómez–Moriana

Peris+Toral Arquitectes

Barcelona-based practice Peris+Toral Arquitectes, founded by Marta Peris and José Toral, focuses on researching new ways of living associated with new ways of building. Their work addresses the challenges of the climate and housing emergencies.

Marta Peris holds a PhD in Architecture and is a Lecturer at the Barcelona School of Architecture (ETSAB). In 2016, she completed her doctoral thesis, entitled The Japanese House through the Films of Yasujiro Ozu, which was published in 2019 as Ozu’s House. José Toral is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architectural Projects at ETSAB, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). Since 2024, they have both been Guest Professors at EPFL in Lausanne.