TAKK Unveils the 10K House: Redefining Affordable and Sustainable Living!

Barcelona, renowned for its architectural wonders, now adds a new jewel to its repertoire with the astonishing refurbishment of the 10K House. In a bold response to the challenges posed by the energy crisis and climate change, TAKK Architects undertook the task of transforming a modest 50m2 flat into a modern, environmentally conscious living space. The project's main objective was to achieve a remarkable update within an incredibly tight budget of only 10,000 euros, showcasing innovative design solutions and a sustainable mindset.

The project's design decisions emerged from a fascinating dichotomy between the limited available budget and the ambitious aim of a complete home transformation. Let's explore the key elements that shape this groundbreaking endeavour:

1. Functional Configuration through Thermal Gradients: Rather than traditional room and corridor combinations, the design embraces a distribution based on thermal gradients. Each space within the house is nested inside the other, from the coldest to the warmest, harnessing the layers of air and materials without additional energy consumption. This climatically diverse distribution allows for efficient unification of functional programs and climate management.
2. Elevation of Built Elements using Recycled Table Legs: By creatively repurposing recycled table legs, the construction elements are elevated, enabling the seamless passage of water and electrical installations without the need for wall grooves. This ingenious approach significantly reduces costs and construction time.
3. Minimal Material Palette: TAKK Architects opted for a minimal material palette, striking a delicate balance between cost, structural efficiency, and energy performance. Standard MDF panels and locally sourced natural sheep wool play a prominent role in construction, ensuring both affordability and sustainability.
4. Embracing the Traces of Demolition: Instead of investing in new coatings such as paint, plaster, or tiles, the design embraces the visible traces of previous partitions, flooring, and electrical appliances. This approach not only eliminates the need for additional materials but also saves on execution time, resulting in a distinct character and reduced environmental impact.
5. Hedonistic and Playful Kitchen and Bathroom Spaces: The kitchen and bathroom take center stage within the 10K House. These well-lit and well-ventilated spaces occupy prime locations alongside the facades. The kitchen, designed without gender-associated stereotypes, promotes equitable use and integration within the house. The materiality of the kitchen seamlessly blends with the overall design, reinforcing its harmonious integration.
6. Self-Construction and "Dry" Assembly: The project advocates for a self-construction approach, enabling the involvement of "non-experts" in the assembly process. Cut using CNC technology based on meticulously drawn plans, different parts of the house arrive on-site like furniture pieces. With the guidance of architects and a simple instruction manual, the elements are assembled using standard screws, eliminating the need for specialized labor.

The transformative journey of the 10K House showcases the boundless possibilities that arise when affordability meets sustainability. TAKK Architects' ingenious design decisions and innovative construction methods have redefined the notion of an affordable home. By embracing thermal gradients, repurposing materials, minimizing the material palette, and encouraging self-construction, this project stands as a testament to the power of creativity and resourcefulness.

Barcelona's architectural landscape is forever enriched by the 10K House, an extraordinary testament to affordable and environmentally conscious living. TAKK Architects' pioneering vision sets a new standard for affordable housing, inspiring future generations to explore innovative solutions within the constraints of budget and sustainability.

Architects: Takk

Area: 50 m²

Year: 2022

Photographs: José Hevia

Architects: Mireia Luzárraga + Alejandro Muiño

City: Barcelona

Country: Spain