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Location
Barcelona, Spain

Architects
Vivas Arquitectos and EXE Arquitectura

Client
IMHAB – Institut Municipal de l’Habitatge de Barcelona

Photography
José Hevia

Built in 15 Days: Industrialised Social Housing in Barcelona

Vivas Arquitectos and EXE Arquitectura

Designed by Vivas Arquitectos and EXE Arquitectura, this project comprises the construction of 45 social housing units using a prefabricated modular system. Situated within an industrial context in Barcelona, the design establishes a direct dialogue with its surroundings, embracing a clear, modular structure that allows spatial flexibility and future adaptability.

The eight-storey building spans 4,569 m² and includes communal facilities on the ground floor. A key feature of the project is the incorporation of exterior access walkways that act as transitional zones between public and private space. These elevated paths not only facilitate entry but also encourage social interaction, enhancing the sense of community. Complementary communal spaces are located on the ground floor and rooftop, including multipurpose rooms and a large terrace with gardens and shaded areas for residents.

Construction was divided between on-site foundations and ground floor works, and off-site prefabrication of 104 fully equipped 3D modules. This hybrid method significantly reduced construction time—modules were installed in just 15 days, and the total project was completed in 13 months. Factory assembly ensured strict quality control, minimal material waste, and optimized logistics.

The building meets A-class energy certification through the use of both passive and active environmental strategies. Its bioclimatic design improves thermal performance, while systems such as LED lighting, aerothermal technology, and photovoltaic panels reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources. The result is a near-zero energy consumption model that aligns sustainability with industrial efficiency.

Location
Barcelona, Spain

Architects
Vivas Arquitectos and EXE Arquitectura

Client
IMHAB – Institut Municipal de l’Habitatge de Barcelona

Photography
José Hevia

urbanNext (November 19, 2025) Built in 15 Days: Industrialised Social Housing in Barcelona. Retrieved from https://urbannext.net/built-in-15-days-industrialised-social-housing-in-barcelona/.
Built in 15 Days: Industrialised Social Housing in Barcelona.” urbanNext – November 19, 2025, https://urbannext.net/built-in-15-days-industrialised-social-housing-in-barcelona/
urbanNext July 31, 2025 Built in 15 Days: Industrialised Social Housing in Barcelona., viewed November 19, 2025,<https://urbannext.net/built-in-15-days-industrialised-social-housing-in-barcelona/>
urbanNext – Built in 15 Days: Industrialised Social Housing in Barcelona. [Internet]. [Accessed November 19, 2025]. Available from: https://urbannext.net/built-in-15-days-industrialised-social-housing-in-barcelona/
Built in 15 Days: Industrialised Social Housing in Barcelona.” urbanNext – Accessed November 19, 2025. https://urbannext.net/built-in-15-days-industrialised-social-housing-in-barcelona/
Built in 15 Days: Industrialised Social Housing in Barcelona.” urbanNext [Online]. Available: https://urbannext.net/built-in-15-days-industrialised-social-housing-in-barcelona/. [Accessed: November 19, 2025]

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