Sustainable Social Housing Architecture: 116 Public Housing Units in Madrid by UNIA Arquitectos + FAU Arquitectos

The 116 Public Housing Units in Madrid, designed by UNIA Arquitectos and FAU Arquitectos, stand as a benchmark in sustainable social housing architecture. Completed in 2024, this 15,379 m² project redefines the balance between urban density, environmental performance, and quality of life. Located in the Spanish capital, the development offers an inspiring example of how thoughtful design can create accessible, flexible, and sustainable living environments for urban communities.

Urban Integration and Site Strategy

The project addresses the unique conditions of its urban site with a carefully articulated design that maximizes buildable area without compromising spatial quality. By adopting a type H block with four vertical cores, the architects managed to achieve the best balance between usable residential space and circulation zones. The decision to use a slightly oversized structural grid of 9.5 meters enhances flexibility, while enclosing the sides creates a compact and efficient volume that integrates harmoniously into the urban fabric.

Architectural Expression and Façade Design

The façade design of this sustainable social housing project challenges the rigidity typical of large housing blocks. A dynamic interplay of opaque and sliding micro-perforated steel panels offers both solar and acoustic protection, while giving residents control over their environment. This design not only improves energy performance but also establishes an iconic architectural identity that resonates within the neighborhood.

Optimizing Living Quality and Flexibility

The ground floor of the building accommodates commercial spaces, adaptable homes, and pedestrian passages that link the rear garden to stairwells and elevators. By reconfiguring several 3-bedroom units into 2-bedroom types on the first and second floors, the architects carved out dramatic triple-height outdoor spaces. This improves natural light and ventilation for the inner courtyard, enhancing residents’ comfort while adhering to maximum buildability regulations.

Blending Work and Home

Anticipating modern lifestyle shifts, the architects incorporated flexible spaces that allow residents to reconcile personal and professional life within their homes. Units with four bedrooms feature a dedicated room near the entrance, ideal for home offices or welcoming clients, thus reflecting a forward-thinking approach to urban living.

Fostering Community Through Outdoor Spaces

The landscape design emphasizes community interaction by creating safe, semi-public spaces where residents can walk, play, and socialize. These “intermediate spaces” form an intuitive transition between private homes and the public realm, encouraging neighborly connections and enhancing the overall social fabric of the development.

Prefabrication and Sustainable Construction

Prefabricated and industrialized construction systems played a crucial role in the project’s sustainability goals. The use of lightweight materials reduced the need for steel in the structural framework and foundations, while minimizing construction waste. Prefabricated stair cores, assembled off-site and installed via the central light well, highlight the efficiency and innovation driving this project.

Energy Performance and Environmental Impact

With a top-tier energy rating, the housing units exemplify excellence in sustainable social housing architecture. High-performance insulation and waterproofing work in tandem with an aerothermal system connected to radiant floor heating, ensuring year-round thermal comfort with minimal environmental impact. These features not only lower operational costs for residents but also demonstrate a scalable model for future housing developments.

The 116 Public Housing Units in Madrid represent a paradigm shift in how cities can address housing shortages while prioritizing sustainability, flexibility, and community well-being. Through architectural innovation, environmental responsibility, and a deep commitment to social value, UNIA Arquitectos and FAU Arquitectos have set a new standard for sustainable social housing architecture.

All the photographs are works of Fernando Alda