Country/Region: Spain

Finques d’alta complexitat

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Finques d’alta complexitat

Mismatches Vulnerable groups Vacant housing
Policies and regulations Local policies
Financing Mortgage systems Supply subsidies Demand subsidies
Ownership and tenure Protection of social housing

Main objectives of the project

In Spain, refurbishment loans or subsidies that aim to help the most needed citizens have a high non take-up. In other words, subsidies for energetic improvements in the buildings usually end up vacant or in the hands of those who are not in most need. To tackle this issue, the Barcelona City Hall started the program “Finques d’alta complexitat” (High complexity properties, in english). The goal of the program is to have a proactive attitude of the administration and help those most deprived buildings to access to the loans or subsidies.

Date

  • 2019: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • Ajuntament de Barcelona
  • Foment de Ciutat
  • Vincle

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Barcelona
Country/Region: Barcelona, Spain

Description

During the 1960s and 1970s, Spain experienced a significant surge in social housing development. However, unlike traditional rental models, individuals who gained access to these properties became owners rather than tenants. This was facilitated by a system that allowed for the sale of affordable housing units. Over time, the protective measures on these properties, such as rent limits and restrictions on tenants, were lifted, effectively transforming occupants into unrestricted owners. Consequently, a complex issue emerged wherein low-income owners found themselves residing in deteriorating properties in dire need of renovation.

To address this challenge, Spanish authorities initiated various subsidies and public loan programs aimed at facilitating building refurbishments. However, these initiatives faced considerable challenges, particularly in disadvantaged neighborhoods and among low-income property owners. In those communities, non take-up issues emerged. Social complexities within these communities, such as squatters and elderly residents, compounded the issue. Additionally, many individuals lacked the necessary understanding of how to navigate subsidy programs, while others struggled to afford the financial contribution required for refurbishments due to their precarious financial situations.

In response, Barcelona implemented the "Finques d'Alta Complexitat" program as part of the broader "Pla de Barris" initiative, which focuses on revitalizing deprived neighborhoods. Unlike previous approaches, this program offers subsidies covering up to 100% of refurbishment costs, contingent on the socio-economic profile of the residents. However, the key innovation lies in the proactive engagement of the public sector with the affected communities.

Rather than simply announcing the availability of subsidies, representatives from the city hall, including social workers, architects, and technicians, actively visit the targeted buildings to engage with residents. This interdisciplinary team assists residents throughout the refurbishment process, addressing any barriers or concerns that may arise. By fostering community cohesion and facilitating communication, this approach has not only increased participation in the program but also mitigated potential conflicts, such as rent hikes post-renovation.

Furthermore, the program has contributed to the preservation of social housing by converting vacant or new units into rent-controlled properties managed by the public sector. Since its inception, the "Finques d'Alta Complexitat" program has benefited 123 estates, providing support to 1,582 families and demonstrating its effectiveness in addressing the complex challenges of urban housing renewal.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Tourist short-term rental regulations in Palma, Mallorca, Spain

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Tourist short-term rental regulations in Palma, Mallorca, Spain

Mismatches
Policies and regulations Planning

Main objectives of the project

The new modalities of tourism endanger our cities and the option to have affordable housing. Nowhere is this reality more clear than in Mallorca. For this reason, the City Hall adopted a new regulation to protect the multi-family buildings of the city. The ban was one of the most restrictive ones in Europe: no apartment can be rented to tourist in the whole city.

Date

  • 2018: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • Palma City Hall
  • Consell de Mallorca

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Palma de Mallorca
Country/Region: Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Description

Palma is located in the south of Mallorca. It is considered one of the most touristy cities in the world. The tourist activity has been built with to features: low-salaries (to compete with other destinations in price) and land speculation. Since the 2008 crisis, as in other cities in Europe, the speculative nature of tourism moved to short-term rentals of housing units. To avoid the harsh consequences, the city hall took a drastic measure.

In 2018, the city council of Palma introduced regulations to ban all tourist rental apartments in the city, leaving only a small number of single-family homes available for rent by tourists on a short-stay basis. This measure was disputed in court. In 2022, the city hall won the case at the Suprem Court of Spain.

The interesting part of the regulation is how they used a legal loophole to implement it. In 2017, the Balearic Island Parliament approved a new regulation for tourist rental apartments. In the new law, they stated the possibility of banning new short-term rental licenses. However, a territorial plan needed to be approve. Moreover, a complete ban was not possible. There was a mandate to specify which typologies of housing and in what zoning areas the ban could be introduced. Yet, considering the urgent need of regulation in some zones, either the regional government or, only for the city, Palma’s city hall, could enforce precautionary measures.

This “urgent” regulation was thought as an instrument to define a new and provisional zoning area of the city (such as its center) and for a specific type of building. For example, to stop a new big project of tourist apartments or hotels. However, Palma declared that all the municipality should be zoned as a zoning district with urgent need for banning short-term rentals. As for the typology of housing, they ban all multifamily apartments to be rented to tourists. We have to bear in mind that multifamily buildings are overwhelmingly majority in the city. So, by using the loophole, nearly every building in the city was affected by the ban.

The territorial plan, approved two years after the ban, respected the regulation of the city. The Palma experience gives proof of how legal loopholes can empower cities to take bold regulations to face the housing crisis we live in. Now, the houses thought as affordable for people are being protected.

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Valle de Jinámar Regeneration Plan

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Valle de Jinámar Regeneration Plan

Mismatches Vulnerable groups
Urban Design Environments Regulación Técnica
Promotion and production Public promotion Participatory processes
Ownership and tenure Protection of social housing

Main objectives of the project

Since 2017, the Telde City Council has initiated an inclusive revitalization initiative for Valle de Jinámar, leveraging local community organizations, resident involvement, and financial support and coordination from both the Canary Islands and Spanish governments. The plan for Valle de Jinámar prioritizes the needs of its residents, aiming to empower the community in decision-making processes and foster a sense of ownership over neighborhood management and individual lives. Various stakeholders including service providers, educational institutions, governmental bodies, and businesses have participated in a collaborative effort focused on enhancing local community capacity to drive social and economic progress. Additionally, companies involved in renovation and social projects have created employment opportunities for local residents.

Date

  • 2017: En proceso

Stakeholders

  • Telde City Council
  • Cabildo de Gran Canaria
  • Gobierno de Canarias
  • Spanish government
  • European Union

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Country/Region: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Description

The Canary Islands stand out as the region with the highest concentration of vulnerable populations in Spain, with Valle de Jinámar in Gran Canaria hosting a significant portion, comprising over 20% of its total population. Situated between the municipalities of Telde and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Jinámar encompasses both its historic center and the broader area known as Valle de Jinámar. This neighborhood is marked by a demographic profile featuring a considerable number of at-risk children and youth, a significant proportion of low-skilled professionals, high unemployment rates, and elevated levels of poverty and social exclusion, affecting 46.28% of families, with a disproportionate impact on women.

Initially developed in the 1970s to accommodate residents with limited economic resources through public housing, Valle de Jinámar underwent a subsequent privatization process, granting tenants ownership rights. However, it became evident that mere access to housing was insufficient to address the area's pervasive challenges. Consequently, the regeneration plan integrated social considerations, particularly focusing on the necessity for socio-educational and employment initiatives tailored to the residents. Through partnerships with local businesses, these projects were aligned with the broader regeneration efforts.

Presently, regeneration efforts have yielded refurbishments for 1,702 homes, primarily focusing on external enhancements, with an additional 434 residences undergoing renovation, while 2,573 units await rehabilitation. Beyond housing, community and sports centers, such as the "Centro Integral de la Infancia" and "Pabellón Juan Carlos Hernández," have been renovated to offer essential services and recreational opportunities to residents, addressing closures and disuse resulting from the 2008 economic crisis. Now, the “Centro Integral de la Infancia” offers psicological and educational support to the young people of the area. Moreover, after 13 years being closed, the sport center has reopened its door. Sustainable mobility emerged as a central focus, prompting the collaborative development of a mobility plan with residents and local businesses, emphasizing pedestrian-friendly initiatives and cycling infrastructure.

Addressing social challenges necessitated forging partnerships with 61 companies and local nonprofit organizations, facilitating the implementation of 135 socio-educational and employment projects spanning all age groups. The participatory nature of the renovation process was evident in the organization of workshops involving collaborating entities and apartment association representatives, as well as satisfaction surveys conducted among residents to solicit feedback. Additionally, an "Information Point" was established within the neighborhood, staffed by local technicians to provide support and promptly address community concerns.

The overarching objective of the project was to adopt an integrated approach, combining physical retrofitting with targeted social interventions to address entrenched vulnerabilities within the neighborhood comprehensively. Furthermore, governance structures involving multiple public administrations were established, ensuring community involvement in decision-making processes.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Opengela

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Opengela

Mismatches Vulnerable groups
Financing Supply subsidies Demand subsidies Sustainable development financing Public-private collaboration
Ownership and tenure Protection of social housing

Main objectives of the project

Emerging from the recognition that a significant portion of the population faced barriers in accessing traditional bank loans due to insufficient income and repayment capacity, the 'MAS OPENGELA' mechanism, combining public and private funds, provides loans with a 15-year repayment period. These loans aim to assist low-income households in fully financing home renovations. Additionally, OPENGELA facilitates coordination among neighbors for refurbishment projects and fosters dialogue among building owners to facilitate successful renovations.

Date

  • 2019: En proceso

Stakeholders

  • Constructor: Basque Government
  • Promotor: Bilbao Municipal Housing
  • Constructor: Bilbao/Bilbo municipality
  • Constructor: Eibar municipality
  • Basque Energy Agency (EVE)
  • Debegesa
  • Gabineteseis
  • Zabala innovation
  • GNE Finance
  • Housing Europe

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Bilbao
Country/Region: Bilbao, Spain

Description

In the 60s and 70s Spain build a large amount of social housing units. However, the vast majority of them were in a regime that after decades, the old tenant become the sole owner of the housing unit. Then, social housing stock has been reduced. As a result, all over Spain, low-income communities manage low-quality and old buildings in need of refurbishment, but without having the budget to tackle the deficiencies. The OPENGELA project wants to address this.

The main point of the project are their offices, working as One-Stop-Shops. Located in the neighbourhood of the refurbishment, in those offices, a multidisciplinary team helps the owners to manage their renovation. Basically, their work consists on, first, achieving an agreement among all the owners of the building to do the refurbishment. As condominium, to make the building accessible, there is a need on an agreement among the owners which is always risky and difficult when low-income people must do a financial effort to it. Secondly, the office guide the owners on how to access subsidies and financial help. All can be asked and managed from the office, reducing the inconveniences to residents.

OPENGELA serves as a prime example of a public-private partnership, comprising various public entities including the Basque Government, Basque Energy Agency (EVE), Bilbao Municipal Housing, and Debegesa, alongside two European-level organizations (FEDARENE and Housing Europe). The private sector is represented by three specialized firms: GNE Finance for financing, Gabineteseis for communication, and Zabala for European affairs. While Bilbao Municipal Housing and Debegesa have taken the lead on projects within the current setup, private partners such as GNE Finance and Zabala contribute expertise in novel financial instruments, as well as technical, social, and legal aspects to the consortium.

OPENGELA also offers financial support through MAS OPENGELA (Social Support System Fund) – a blend of public and private funds – which offers refundable loans in 15 years to help low-income households cover the investment needed to renovate their homes. This system helps residents cover 100% of the investment. The application process is streamlined: it not linked to life insurance, there is no cancellation fee, the payment deadline is up to 15 years and the nominal interest rate is 5.95% or 6.45% depending on the energy efficiency ambition. Moreover, the age limit was extended to access those loans. Now, access to them is up to 70 years old.

OPENGELA was first established by two pilot projects, one in Otxarkoaga (Bilbao) and the other in Txonta (Eibar). In the first case, work is done on five buildings encompassing 16 house numbers with a total of 240 homes. Other courses of action will also be undertaken from there, such as the refurbishment of the old shopping centre and the launch of business initiatives in premises which are currently empty. As for the case in Txonta, the pilot Project works on a total of 221 homes in 17 house numbers. The renovation will follow current standards of energy efficiency and accessibility. Te result is clear: more than 800 people have already benefit from the project. Furthermore, the financial solution has facilitated the uptake of building renovation in vulnerable areas without compromising the debt level of neighbours. On average, applicants allocate 26.20% of their income to cover debts with banks, which allows a low margin of debt to deal with financing. OPENGELA managed to mobilise private investment of 3.2 million €. Now the methodology is implemented in other locations.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Inhabiting An Enclosed Landscape- 10 Sandstone Social Housing Units On Mallorca

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Inhabiting An Enclosed Landscape- 10 Sandstone Social Housing Units On Mallorca

Mismatches Price
Policies and regulations Land Global frameworks Price control
Promotion and production Public promotion Materials Technology

Main objectives of the project

The material isolation of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) prompted its residents to cultivate a distinct material culture using the island's scarce resources. This distinctive environment fostered the development of sustainable techniques that resonate strongly with our contemporary pursuit of circularity, offering valuable insights for the future. Leveraging this legacy, IBAVI (The Balearic Social Housing Agency) has devised a scheme comprising 10 social housing units, which modernizes sandstone and timber construction methods while maintaining their inherent sustainability and tradition.

Date

  • 2021: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Architect: Siddartha Rodrigo
  • Architect: Juan Moreno
  • Architect: Javier Gavín
  • Constructor: IBAVI

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Description

The historical inhabitants of the Balearic Archipelago possessed a unique understanding that the landscape knows no rear, unlike modern individuals who often overlook the consequences of their actions. Enclosed within their habitat, they were acutely aware of the direct impact of their choices. Despite cultural connections across the Mediterranean, this material isolation compelled them to forge their own material culture from the island's scant resources. This enclosed environment fostered the development of sustainable techniques that resonate strongly with our contemporary pursuit of circularity, offering valuable insights for the future.
Drawing upon this tradition, a novel social housing scheme emerged, revitalizing sandstone and timber construction methods while capitalizing on their inherent sustainability. Located on the outskirts of Santa Margalida, a small town in Mallorca, the scheme comprises ten dwellings and an equal number of workshops on the first floor. Designed to address both the climate and housing emergencies facing the region, the project integrates strategies for energy reduction and creation during construction and use.
The marriage of vernacular local knowledge with contemporary building practices lies at the heart of achieving high sustainability standards. Beyond providing shelter for local families and addressing the housing crisis, the project's broader objective is to catalyze the revitalization of the local building industry. By updating and standardizing traditional methods, it aims to create economic opportunities and foster social sustainability in rural areas.Traditional techniques are adapted and updated in collaboration with local artisans to minimize reliance on fossil fuel-intensive materials. A range of strategies, from passive design features to renewable energy systems, ensure optimal comfort and efficiency without compromising interior living conditions. The project's significance transcends its immediate impact, as it serves as a prototype for future developments by IBAVI. Solutions devised and tested here will be disseminated to effect change on a larger scale within the local building industry. Quantifiable objectives include significant reductions in energy consumption, water usage, and CO2 emissions compared to standard buildings.Aesthetic considerations are imbued with ethical principles, celebrating the unique qualities of the local environment and the intrinsic value of physical presence. Exposed sandstone and timber serve as reminders of the materials' origins and their connection to the surrounding landscape, enhancing the sensory experience of the space.
Inclusivity is embedded in the project's ethos, with publicly owned buildings offering affordable rents to mitigate the impact of soaring housing prices driven by uncontrolled tourism. While its impact on the broader housing market may be limited, it represents a step towards greater social equity and resilience.
Recognized as a NEB Rising Star in 2021, the project exemplifies resilience and circularity in contemporary architectural practice, setting a precedent for sustainable development in the region and beyond.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Quatre Camins

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Quatre Camins

Mismatches Location Functional adequacy Diversity Vulnerable groups
Policies and regulations
Promotion and production Public promotion

Main objectives of the project

The objective of this initiative is to construct public rental accommodations tailored for elderly residents, featuring services specifically designed to enhance mobility and accessibility. Through adaptable rents depending on the tenant’s needs and high-quality architectural design, the building stands as a prominent model of social housing in populated urban areas like Barcelona.

Date

  • 2019: Finalista
  • 2017: Construction
  • 2015: En proceso

Stakeholders

  • Architect: Ravetllat Arquitectura
  • Promotor: Ajuntament de Barcelon

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Barcelona
Country/Region: Barcelona, Spain

Description

Located in a unique area near Collserola's range in Barcelona, Spain, the site plan for this project resides within an urban fabric characterized by low density. This fabric consists of a mix of small-scale isolated family housing alongside larger educational and sanitation facilities. Addressing the challenge of integrating with the existing urban and topographical context was a key consideration during the project's implementation. The overarching objective was to adhere to PassivHaus criteria, emphasizing proper ventilation strategies, thermal insulation, PassivHaus windows, airtightness, and reduced thermal bridging. These measures were designed with a focus on simplicity for the inhabitants' ease of use.

The proposed solution involved an L-shaped building aligned with the streets and oriented to maximize exposure to the best views and sunlight, particularly towards the south or southeast. Access to the 44 dwellings, including two adapted units, is provided via a main core with stairs and elevators, supplemented by a secondary evacuation stair. Leveraging the topography allowed for the creation of two significant communal spaces where elderly residents can engage in outdoor activities. The first space, situated on the first floor, comprises a terrace directly connected to the garden, while the other, on the third floor, links with the laundry facilities and roof area.

This housing complex aims to accommodate senior citizens from low-income social segments on a lifetime rent basis. The rent fee is tailored to the users' personal income and the services provided (e.g., healthcare, food), reflecting their individual situations and autonomy levels. This adaptable fee, coupled with housing made for a targeted vulnerable community, constitutes the primary innovation of the project. Given this context, the architectural design prioritizes economic sensitivity towards its residents and emphasizes easy maintenance and energy efficiency of the apartments. Passive energy control measures take precedence to ensure residents' comfort and minimize administrative complexities.

Furthermore, the project seeks to foster social interaction both within and outside the building, promoting recreational activities that enhance residents' physical and mental well-being while fostering social cohesion within the neighborhood. In summary, the final project optimizes the opportunities presented by the site plan and urban context, demonstrating both an active and passive environmental attitude throughout the building's lifespan, as well as a socially conscious approach.

A significant innovation of the project lies in the implementation of passive energy control measures that not only simplify usage and maintenance but also minimize the ecological footprint, rendering the building environmentally friendly. Additionally, successfully integrating senior citizens into an established residential area represents a significant achievement. Future endeavors include incorporating passive energy control measures into standard administrative practices and extending social initiatives to other neighborhoods, thereby enhancing the quality of life for elderly residents and promoting societal diversity.

The project has won several awards, such as the Ibero-American Passivhaus Competition 2011 or the European Responsible Housing Awards 2019.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

“Apartamentos Dotacionales” in the Basque Country- The Endowment Accommodation model

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“Apartamentos Dotacionales” in the Basque Country- The Endowment Accommodation model

Mismatches Services Diversity
Policies and regulations Local policies Land Planning
Urban Design
Promotion and production Public promotion

Main objectives of the project

The Department of Housing in the Basque Country is repurposing vacant plots designated for municipal facilities as per urban planning regulations. They are transforming these spaces into residential accommodations with leases extending up to five years. This innovative initiative aims to facilitate access to the housing market for young or socially disadvantaged individuals.

Date

  • 2006: En proceso

Stakeholders

  • Department of Housing in the Basque Country

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Bilbao
Country/Region: Bilbao, Spain

Description

Located at the north of Spain, the Basque Country faces a scarcity of both private and public rental accommodations, leading to a delayed residential emancipation for young individuals, often occurring after the age of 30. In response, a pioneering initiative was established in 2006 to repurpose plots designated for municipal facilities, thereby creating a novel housing solution known as the Endowment Accommodation model. These plots, initially earmarked for municipal use as amenities, compelled by urban planning regulations, have been transformed into temporary residential units. Thus, by using the limited options urban planning rules, the authorities managed to build on public land. Apart from developing services for the community, they offer a diverse typology of accommodation (usually less specious than a housing unit) that enriches the diversity of the project and densify cities.

This innovative approach has not only empowered numerous young people to achieve housing autonomy but has also addressed certain social housing emergencies. Over time, the demographic benefiting from this model has expanded beyond solely young individuals. Recent revisions to the governing by-laws now allow older individuals to access this housing temporarily. In exchange for participating in social rental programs by offering their own homes, older homeowners can access more suitable accommodations tailored to their needs—accessible, equipped, and modern. Simultaneously, other families can access larger housing units through social rental programs.

The evolution of this housing model towards publicly managed intergenerational co-housing represents a significant development, facilitating the release of other housing units for social needs. However, challenges persist, primarily concerning communication. Clear communication is essential both with municipal authorities, who may require clarification due to the unconventional use of land, and with the occupants of these accommodation units, who must understand the temporary nature of their lease, limited to a maximum of five years.

The Department of Housing has actively collaborated with municipal technicians and social services to address these challenges. Efforts have been made to streamline communication and transition tenants to more permanent housing solutions after the expiration of their leases. The model has also been a success in Barcelona and Madrid, showing it remains crucial for densely populated cities with limited available land, offering an innovative and much-needed solution to the housing crisis within the constraints of urban planning tools available to local authorities.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Yes, We Rent! - Leveraging vacant private property to build up a cooperative affordable housing scheme

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Yes, We Rent! - Leveraging vacant private property to build up a cooperative affordable housing scheme

Policies and regulations Participatory processes
Financing Public funding Indirect opportunities
Promotion and production Innovation Self-management Cooperatives Management and maintenance
Ownership and tenure Shared ownership Rental and temporary tenure Protection of social housing

Main objectives of the project

"Yes, We Rent!" is a social rent scheme in Mataró, Spain, addressing housing shortages and affordability issues. It aims to activate vacant flats for rental, offering below-market rates through guaranteed rents and renovation support. The initiative also trains at-risk teenagers for employment in housing renovation, tackling both housing and socio-economic challenges simultaneously.

Date

  • 2019: En proceso

Stakeholders

  • Constructor: Ajuntament de Mataró

Location

Country/Region: Mataró

Description

The social housing sector in Mataró fails to meet demand, comprising just 265 units while 1400 households remain on the waiting list. Additionally, approximately 3,500 properties sit vacant due to owners lacking renovation resources or fearing unpaid rents. This situation presents both challenges and opportunities. "Yes We Rent!" aims to address this by repurposing these vacant properties to create accessible housing for medium-income households. Through offering guaranteed rent and financial support for renovations, the project incentivizes risk-averse owners to participate in the affordable housing scheme at below-market rates. A portion of the benefits is retained to strengthen and expand the initiative and to employ at-risk youth people in the renovation efforts. Moreover, "Yes We Rent!" explores a multi-stakeholder cooperative model, leveraging public funding and cooperative empowerment to engage tenants in self-help initiatives, service development, and new property recruitment. By harnessing the potential of the social and cooperative sectors, "Yes We Rent!" seeks to redefine roles and relationships in the local rental housing market. The project aims to significantly increase the affordability of rental housing in Mataró by acquiring a substantial number of privately-owned affordable flats—targeting at least 200 units—and offering them at below-market prices to at least 450 individuals in need of housing. This initiative will test a replicable organizational and economic model, with the City Council establishing the scheme and providing initial financing for a mixed multi-stakeholder cooperative that is intended to evolve into a sustainable autonomous entity in the housing market.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

APROP - Provisional Local Accommodations

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APROP - Provisional Local Accommodations

Mismatches Vulnerable groups
Policies and regulations Building capacity
Promotion and production Public promotion Innovation Materials Technology Industrialisation

Main objectives of the project

APROP is an innovative housing program designed to offer affordable, sustainable, and high-quality emergency accommodation to households facing eviction, all within their own neighborhoods. Utilizing a unique construction system built around reused shipping containers, the program prioritizes energy efficiency and innovative solutions for social housing schemes.

Date

  • 2019: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Constructor: Barcelona City Hall
  • Constructor: IMHAB

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Barcelona
Country/Region: Spain

Description

APROP (an acronym for Proximity Temporary Affordable Housing, also meaning "nearby" in Catalan), utilizing industrialized methods and recycled shipping containers, represents a municipal commitment to innovation in addressing the housing emergency. Inspired by successful projects in cities like London, Copenhagen, and Vancouver, this model offers fast, sustainable, and quality housing to prevent displacement and gentrification. Promoted by the Barcelona City Council's Department of Social Rights, the programme aims to provide temporary accommodation while more permanent but slower housing solutions are developing. APROP buildings will be distributed across the ten city districts in empty sites awaiting public facilities or permanent housing projects. The first one is already in operation in the Ciutat Vella central district and it includes 12 dwellings. APROP Ciutat Vella is a compact, 5-storey corner volume on a 186m² plot. It hosts the extension of a health facility on the ground floor and 12 dwellings on the four upper floors. All the housing units feature a living room with an open kitchen and fully accessible bathrooms. The smaller ones, 30m², have a double bedroom, while the bigger ones, 60m², include two bedrooms. The outdoor facades fully respect the landscape of the old city centre. The second generation of APROP buildings have already been built in Glòries. Every building in the programme is the result of an open competition demanding the implementation of a lightweight, dry and modular construction system based on reused shipping containers. The use of shipping containers significantly reduces environmental impacts while shortening construction times. The system is perfectly dismountable, transportable and adaptable to further locations.

APROPs serve as temporary housing and provide socio-educational support to individuals and families at risk of social exclusion, referred by social services due to unstable housing situations. With a focus on enhancing autonomy and self-sufficiency, the program emphasizes labor and training support, as well as fostering economic savings during the residency period. This comprehensive approach aims to facilitate a transition to stable housing alternatives.

Designed for temporary use, APROPs allows residents to remain close to their communities. Shipping containers are repurposed into one- or two-bedroom accommodations, featuring natural lighting, ventilation, outdoor spaces, and functional furnishings. High-quality insulation and spatial performance systems ensure thermal, acoustic, and lighting comfort for occupants. Overall, APROPs offer a holistic approach to temporary housing, integrating social support services with sustainable construction practices to address housing insecurity and promote community stability.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Celosia, Social Housing

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Celosia, Social Housing

Financing
Urban Design
Promotion and production
Ownership and tenure

Main objectives of the project

This social housing apartment building is located in PAU de Sanchinarro, a new neighbourhood situated on the northeast edge of Madrid. Blocks of eight houses are seen as separate prefabricated units, which are positioned in a checkerboard pattern next to and on top of each other, leaving openings for communal gardens in between.

Date

  • 2009: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Architect: Nathalie de Vries
  • Architect: Jacob van Rijs
  • Architect: Winy Maas
  • Architect: Blanca Lleó

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Madrid
Country/Region: Madrid, Spain

Description

The opening of the European borders has caused a real estate boom in Spain. The value has been in¬creased enormously, thus leading to an enormous production of housing. This operation is facilitated in Madrid by a giant new neighborhood that sur¬rounds the old city. A series of new cities that are mainly constructed of blocks that surround a pri¬vate patio, with a more or less introverted archi¬tecture with small windows, somehow opposes the extraverted Spanish culture.

In PAU de Sanchinarro, one of these new cities, situated on the northeast edge of Madrid, two plots are given to develop a possible “escape” from the uniformity and claustrophobia of this “sea of six-story-high blocks.”

The first escape’ in this neighborhood was the Sanchinarro Mirador (2005): an apartment build¬ing in which a huge void on the 15th floor offered an open view to the surrounding mountains and over the new neighborhood.

The second escape has been created by an “open¬ing” a given block on all levels. Blocks of eight houses are seen as separate prefabricated fig¬ures. They are positioned in a checkerboard pat¬tern next to and on top of each other in such a way that they leave openings for communal gardens in between. A perforated block appears, in which shadow and ventilation compensate for the strong climatic constraints. It creates views from the street through the building. It creates views from the houses to the surrounding area. It defends against the claustrophobic conditions of the existing developments

Authors:

Fundació Mies van der Rohe Barcelona