ŻORRO by Frantagroup Architects: Bold Vision of Affordable Housing in Żory

ŻORRO, completed in 2023 by Frantagroup Architects, is a bold example of how thoughtful design can redefine the concept of affordable housing. Located in Żory, Poland, this 5720 m² residential complex represents a new architectural model emphasizing living comfort, sustainability, and social impact — while maintaining low construction costs.

Created as a reimagining of outdated prefabricated housing blocks surrounding it, ŻORRO brings a bold new approach to the urban environment — like a superhero ready to transform the neighborhood by enhancing quality, aesthetics, and functionality.

Transformative Design with Spacious Outdoor Areas

The central element of ŻORRO's identity are its spacious terraces, innovatively presented as "summer living rooms" and "summer gardens", which increase the usable area of each apartment by 30–50%. These outdoor zones provide space, sunlight, and fresh air, replacing standard balconies with a more functional and comfortable solution.

By eliminating expensive and unnecessary interior finishes, architects were able to direct the budget toward these livable outdoor expansions, demonstrating that a rational approach to resources can provide excellent living conditions.

Smart Facade: Sustainability Meets Simplicity

The striking black facade of ŻORRO is not just a visual identity but an active element of passive solar strategy. The facade and overhangs were designed with precise proportions to respond to seasonal sun exposure:

• In the summer period, the facade remains mostly shaded during peak hours, maintaining interior coolness.

• In the winter period, the low angle of the sun allows dark surfaces to absorb and radiate heat, enhancing thermal comfort for terrace users throughout the day.

This passive heating and cooling system reduces energy costs while increasing living comfort — making ŻORRO a climate-adaptive and environmentally efficient architecture.

Elegant Design Within Budget

With 51 apartments, priced from 6,800 to 7,500 PLN/m² (€1600–€1760), ŻORRO presents a model of affordable quality. The project challenges the assumption that high-quality housing is only available in major cities or for wealthy buyers.

Instead, it serves as evidence that innovative architecture can enhance daily life even in small, less-known regions — without reliance on public funding.

Visionary Model for Urban Regeneration

ŻORRO by Frantagroup Architects is not just a residential complex, but a manifesto for affordable design and urban environment renewal. It inspires future projects to prioritize human-centered spaces, ecological efficiency, and architectural expressiveness, regardless of budget constraints.

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