Architecture studio Carles Enrich Studio has built a block of 11 social housing units in Palma de Mallorca
The project is located in the El Coll d'en Rabassa neighbourhood
right on the edge of the municipality of Palma
on a narrow plot previously occupied by a sandstone quarry
The building adapts to the pre-existing conditions
responding to the conditions of the existing irregular urban fabric and responding to the current climate emergency
Carles Enrich Studio decided to separate the building from the dividing wall
preserving the existing geological remains
allowing the interior façade to be set back
forming small patios inside the plot associated with the ground floor dwellings that improve the passive behaviour of the building
Three basic housing typologies are defined
which vary depending on the pre-existing conditions
The dwellings present passive strategies typical of vernacular architecture
The openings in the opposite façades guarantee cross ventilation in all the dwellings
while the skylights in the stairs act as solar collectors and heat dissipators
The project uses standardised construction solutions
facilitating the construction of the building
Low environmental impact and highly durable materials are selected
which guarantees waterproofing of the joints
as well as minimising overheating of the envelope thanks to its white colour
11 Social Housing in Palma by Carles Enrich Studio
Project description by Carles Enrich Studio
The project is situated on a narrow corner plot
at the intersection of Rut Street and Darwin Street in the El Coll d'en Rabassa neighborhood
Aiming to consolidate the irregular urban fabric and address the climate emergency
the proposal consists of eleven dwellings that seamlessly integrate with the site by adapting to its pre-existing conditions
The decision to set the building back from the party wall and preserve the existing geological remains defines a dual-form strategy: on one hand
compact volume oriented towards the southeast
This volumetric approach enhances the building’s passive performance by generating shaded areas and variable-depth courtyards
providing a range of outdoor spaces for the dwellings
Ground-floor residences feature courtyards with permeable paving
while first-floor units benefit from private terraces
The housing units are designed following a non-hierarchical spatial concept that eliminates circulation areas
and three-bedroom units) have been established
Versatility and convertibility are key design principles
allowing most spaces to serve interchangeable functions
which are positioned adjacent to bathrooms to minimize the length of service installations
The dwellings are designed to adapt to climate change through passive strategies inspired by vernacular architecture
Cross-ventilation is ensured in all rooms through openings on opposite facades and skylights over staircases
which function as both solar collectors and heat dissipators
The volumetric setback on the west facade provides shading for the most exposed orientation
Draining gardens at the ground level and the use of native
low-water-demand vegetation contribute to lowering ambient temperatures
rainwater is collected and stored in a tank for irrigation
The placement of openings and the shallow depth of interior spaces significantly reduce the need for artificial lighting while optimizing solar gain management throughout the year
The facade is finished with a lime-based plaster (jabelga)
an underground gallery runs through the central part of the building
facilitating maintenance of the installations while acting as a passive cooling system that supplies tempered air to the dwellings
This combination of strategies reduces the building’s overall energy demand
eliminating the need for artificial climate control systems
except for ceiling fans that assist natural convective cooling
The project promotes the standardization of construction solutions and dimensions
streamlining the building process through the prefabrication of certain elements
The structure consists of load-bearing walls made of local ceramic blocks (H20)
The masonry features vertical perforations filled with excavated soil to enhance thermal inertia and acoustic insulation between party walls
Prefabricated slabs rest on a laminated timber perimeter beam
which resolves lintels for both interior openings and facade apertures
allowing for dry disassembly and future recycling of all horizontal partitions
A 5 cm compression layer and polished concrete flooring complete the slabs
ensuring acoustic insulation between floors
transforming the building into a series of terraced houses
thereby eliminating the need for elevators and promoting an efficient and sustainable housing model
Carles Enrich Studio.
Executive management.- Brufau Cusó.Structures.- Bernuz Fernández.Facilities.- SJ12
Adrià Goula.
1980) graduated at the ETSAB in Barcelona in 2005
From the beginning of his career he has combined his professional work with research
and obtained a Master degree in Theory and Practice of Architectural Projects from the UPC where he is currently a PhD Candidate
His thesis deals with the temporary occupations in the public space in Barcelona.Associate lecturer in Projects at the ETSAB since 2016
he taught Projects and Urban Design at the Reus School of Architecture and
He was also visiting professor in the Extra-Local workshop organised by Columbia GSAPP in 2019
has collaborated on international master’s degrees such as the BIARCH in 2012 and the master’s degree in Restoration at the UPC in 2014
and directed the Vertical Workshop at the UIC Barcelona School of Architecture in 2018.Carles Enrich’s aim of producing practice-based knowledge led him in 2013 to set up Carles Enrich Studio
where he develops projects that cover the entire habitable territory
The quality and rigour of the practice’s built work are endorsed by consecutive nominations for the European Union Mies Award (2017
2019) and the Lisbon Triennale Début Award 2016; the Spanish Architecture and Urban Design Biennale Awards in 2016 and 2018
They were also recognised in the studio’s participation in the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2012
with the exhibition Context in “Architectural Rowers” in the Catalan Pavilion and
which earned the Spanish Pavilion the Biennale’s Golden Lion
Archive Architecture
The transport company of Mallorca's island capital Palma has presented an ambitious electrification plan
It wants to purchase 100 electric buses within the next three years
The city government has now released 33 million euros for this purpose
the transport company EMT Palma plans to operate around half of its buses electrically in future
The new electric buses will primarily replace diesel buses purchased between 2000 and 2010
as well as natural gas vehicles built in 2009 and 2010
It is not known which manufacturers will supply the electric buses
or whether the contract(s) has/have yet to be put out to tender
a press release states: “As far as the purchase of these new units is concerned
the first step in this direction was taken on 15 November
when this ECO/EMT project was awarded 12 million euros from the Tourism Tax for Sustainable Development (ITS) for the purchase of eight 18-metre electric buses and eight 12-metre electric buses.”
EMT has been using zero-emission drive systems for some time, but only on a small scale. In 2023, electric buses were added to the EMT fleet for the first time, namely twelve 12-metre versions of the ie Tram model from Spanish manufacturer Irizar. EMT also placed an order for five hydrogen buses with Polish bus manufacturer Solaris three years ago
At the same time as acquiring the new electric buses
the city of Palma is planning a new bus depot in the Son Rossinyol industrial estate covering an area of around 28,000 square metres
It will have charging facilities for 108 electric buses using pantographs
The existing 30,000 square metre depot in Coll d’en Rabassa has a capacity for 150 buses and is no longer sufficient for the 257 active buses
the city councillor responsible for mobility
The Board of Directors of EMT Palma has now approved the procurement of 113 electric buses worth 117 million euros over the next four years
The plan is to purchase 67 articulated electric buses with a length of 18 metres and 46 standard electric buses with a length of 12 metres
The procurement of both types of buses will now be put out to tender in two separate lots and interested companies will be given the opportunity to submit bids
EMT Palma hopes that the lots can be awarded by June 2025 so that the first new electric buses could be on the streets of Palma between September and December 2026
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Balearic Institute of Housing (IBAVI)
is the public entity of the Government and Administration of the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands
Its general objective was to develop housing for all in its commitment to the development of inclusive and sustainable architecture
creating numerous projects over four years that are the result of experimentation
In a time immersed in the imperative need to provide an adequate housing response that is aware of the global climate crisis we are experiencing
architecture's focus on sustainability and its desire for change gives rise to strategies capable of fully or partially resolving various problems
providing resilient responses focused on local awareness and addressing a local circular economy
as seen in the numerous proposals made by the Balearic Islands as a clear model to follow
can implement projects that exemplify unity
The Balearic Islands have developed a unique ecosystem of research and significant architectural production in sustainable social housing
It is no coincidence that numerous proposals position the Balearic Islands as a benchmark in the development of social housing under the premise of sustainability
By seeking to create ambitious and sustainable social housing on multiple levels
the ingenious use of Posidonia as insulation
combined with architectural solutions that respond to the climate and reduce energy demand
have positioned their work as an example for the social housing construction process
At a time when housing is in the spotlight
innovative and daring approach to social housing must be highlighted
which facilitates a collective perspective and directs us as a society towards a kinder and more conscious city
1. 8 Protected Public Dwellings on a Rental Basis by Carles Oliver, Joaquín Moyá, Antonio Martín, Alfonso Reina
The project of 8 public housing homes developed and built by the IBAVI team (Balearic Institute of Housing) led by architects Carles Oliver
is located north of the city of Palma de Mallorca
It proposes an exemplary model of housing with passive sustainability in a social housing program using local materials
The project stands out for the use of local sandstone as a structural element
which facilitate a versatile space; in addition to the use of "old" insulating solutions using posidonia algae from the Mallorcan beaches
2. Designing with two premises. Residential building of 57 houses by Javier de las Heras Solé
The project of 57 public housing units, day centre and social premises by Javier de las Heras Solé is located on Cuba Street
the beach and the promenade of the Es Molinar neighbourhood itself
two formal premises were established based on the orthogonal layout of the surrounding urbanisation
The first of these places the day centre and premises on the ground floor
closing off towards three patios with three different sizes depending on their use
The residential spaces are located on the upper floors
in which all the homes must have sea views
The materiality of each block maintains the established premises
with the use of sandstone on the ground floor and plaster
the roof of the day centre is understood as a façade for the users of the residential area
landscaped roof with the minimum possible maintenance
3. Climate adaptation in a building. Social Housing in Ibiza by Peris+Toral Arquitectes
The architectural studio Peris+Toral Arquitectes was commissioned to design a set of social housing units in a heterogeneous environment
The building seeks to adapt to the climate by proposing an energy system with a low carbon footprint
The IBAVI has set high demands for energy performance
reduction of carbon footprint and application of sustainable construction systems
which have involved a whole process of research and avant-garde in local construction
the building is designed in such a way that it does not require an active heating or cooling system
which was a technical and construction challenge
it was decided to use load-bearing walls with 20 cm thick compacted earth blocks (BTC)
while their clay composition controls hygrothermal behaviour and reduces the carbon footprint
4. The search for the Mediterranean light and breeze. Social housing in Ibiza by Ripoll-Tizón
This set of 19 public housing units, recently awarded the Ascer prize, was designed by the Ripoll Tizón architecture studio
The building is located in a depersonalised urban context
an area of new urban growth located in Talamanca
A porous building is proposed that dialogues with the sea breeze and the light of the Mediterranean
whose identity is more clearly linked to the climate and way of life of the island
the proposal avoids excavations and places the parking on the ground floor
The apartments are arranged on the 5 upper floors
so that all have at least two different orientations
good sunlight and natural cross ventilation
The building has an excellent energy rating (A)
5. Think about sustainability and environmental impact. 48 Social housing units by Lloc Arquitectes
The residential complex designed by Lloc Arquitectes proposes 48 new public housing units in the Magaluf area
a municipality located in the south of the island of Mallorca
The Balearic Institute of Housing and the Calvià City Council
give rise to these wooden structure homes with energy class A
based on the use of passive design strategies that promote energy savings
the choice of materials with low environmental impact and spatial flexibility
The housing complex is organized in two independent areas of 24 homes that face south
favoring and enhancing cross ventilation with a correct dimensioning of the openings that guarantees the control of solar radiation and privacy through a system of roller shutters
Taking into account sustainability and environmental impact criteria
locally manufactured brick walls are used on the ground floor
while cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls are used on the upper levels
6. Social housing in Formentera. Climate Change Adaptation project funded by the European Union
Life Reusing Posidonia has materialised in a project, winner of the 2018 FAD Architecture Award, designed by Carles Oliver Barceló, Antonio Martín Procopio, Joaquín Moyá Costa, Alfonso Reina Ferragut and Maria Antònia Garcías Roig
where they create 14 social housing units in Sant Ferran
The project demonstrates how the Mediterranean offers the resources and the right climate to reduce energy consumption both in the construction process of the homes and during their use
A project that stands out for the recycling of Posidonia as an insulating material
and which is also characterized by a surprising and intelligent reuse of materials and old carpentry
7. A correct urban insertion. 54 Public Protection Housing by Joan Josep Fortuny Giró and Alventosa Morell Arquitectes
The architectural studios of Joan Josep Fortuny Giró and Alventosa Morell Arquitectes have completed a building with 54 public housing units
The proposed building addresses two fundamental aspects: achieving the correct insertion of the building into its urban and physical environment
as well as providing an adequate response to the functional aspects of the program
The complex is located on the elevated part of the plot to facilitate access
The project proposes different types of housing with cross ventilation
which is structurally resolved by a system of reticular concrete slabs and metal pillars
The basement is resolved by means of concrete retaining walls
and the foundation by means of a system of micropiles and pile caps
8. Sea stones. Five social dwellings at 97th Regal street in Palma de Mallorca
The project to build five social housing units in Palma de Mallorca has been developed by the Balearic Institute of Housing (IBAVI)
which continues the research of Reusing Posidonia on the island of Formentera
The housing is located in the Son Gotleu neighbourhood
a district of the city of Palma de Mallorca
The project seeks to recover the old building between party walls
using all the possible buildability by building the duplex typology
9. Walkway, terraces and patios. LIVING IN LIME - 42 social housing in Son Servera by Peris + Toral Arquitectes
In the Mallorcan town of Son Servera, there is the new LIVING IN LIME building of social housing designed by Peris + Toral Arquitectes
The building borders a green corridor called Vía Verde
which was designed in 2014 on an old railway line
so an exterior walkway with a skylight entrance is proposed that allows for the creation of walk-through dwellings
while the space is protected from the sun and ventilated with a wall of sandstone slats
the entrances to the dwellings are increased in size to create shaded terraces
Materials that interact with the place are included
such as Arabic tiles on the sloping roofs and the sandstone plinth of the building
10. Tradition and sustainability vs avant-garde. 24 public dwellings by 08014 arquitectura
The architectural studi08014 arquitectura was commissioned to design the building of 24 public housing units located in Platja d'En Bossa
followed the tradition of domestic architecture in warm climates
with clear references to the classical domus
the Islamic house or traditional Ibizan architecture
The four patios around which the building is organised play a fundamental role in the comfort of the eight homes
where all the living rooms and bedrooms have a double orientation
The project complies with numerous sustainability and energy efficiency indicators
significantly improving the values set by current regulations
11. Integration in the environment. 11 public protection housing by Oliveras Boix Arquitectes + Cati Mestre
The architectural studio Oliveras Boix Arquitectes and the architect Cati Mestre have collaborated together on the project of a public housing building
located on the corner of Lleó XIII and Moreres streets in the city of Manacor
in the eastern part of the island of Mallorca
The project aims to achieve an urban dialogue with the nearby buildings and improve the conditions of ventilation and natural lighting to generate the maximum spatial and functional quality of the homes
The two volumes that make up the project are separated by creating a longitudinal patio with exterior walkways through which access to the homes is provided
facilitating greater sunlight and cross ventilation of all spaces
12. Passive strategies and adaptability to pre-existing conditions. 11 Social Housing by Carles Enrich Studio
The architectural studio Carles Enrich Studio has developed a block of 11 social housing units in the El Coll d'en Rabassa neighbourhood
on a narrow plot that was previously occupied by a sandstone quarry
The residential proposal is designed to adapt to pre-existing conditions and in response to specific climatic conditions
providing conscious and environmentally friendly solutions and responding to the current climate emergency
Founded in 2005 by Marta Peris and Jose Manuel Toral
both graduated from ETSAB, peris+toral.arquitectes is an architecture practice based in Barcelona
which combines its professional activity with the academic one
They are currently working on different projects
while working as teachers in the Faculty of Architecture in Barcelona (ETSAB) and IED
Their work has been published in architecture books and magazines
the practice has published articles in architecture books and magazines
Fundamentos and DC Papers are to highlight
Their work has been recognized with awards such as AJAC Joves Arquitectes 2011
and Saloni d’Arquitect award finalists
Premio Europeo di Architettura MATILDE BAFFA UGO RIVOLTA 2021
85 Viviendas sociales en Cornellà2021 Gold Award
85 Viviendas sociales en Cornellà2021 First Prize
Premios MAPEI a la Arquitectura Sostenible 2021
85 Viviendas sociales en Cornellà2021 Winner Jury's TOP PICK
85 Viviendas sociales en Cornellà2021 Winner
85 Viviendas sociales en Cornellà2021 Winner Best of best
ARCHITECTURE MASTERPRIZE AMP 2021 - Residential Multi Unit
85 Viviendas sociales en Cornellà2021 Winner ex-aequo
Premio CATALUNYA CONSTRUCCIÓ 2021 - Innovació a la construcció
Premio A+ by DAIKIN - Vivienda plurifamiliar
XV Premios NAN Arquitectura y construcción 2021 - Residencial
85 Viviendas sociales en Cornellà2021 Awarded
Architecture studio founded in 2017 and directed by Adrian Talens Mateu and Itziar Lafuente Antón based in Palma
The studio develops its projects working at different architectural and project scales
always from an innovative and sustainable perspective
sustainable and creative architecture and design
Archive HOUSING