A new social housing development featuring innovative compressed earth block construction has been completed in Palma, Mallorca, addressing the island's ongoing affordable housing crisis. The project, designed by Barcelona-based Vivas Arquitectos for the Balearic Housing Institute (IBAVI), delivers 38 new social housing units distributed across two connected buildings on the northern edge of the island's capital.
The popular vacation destination of Mallorca has been grappling with a severe housing shortage, with affordable apartments becoming increasingly scarce for local residents. The regional Ministry of Transport and Construction's housing institute, IBAVI, has been working to counter this crisis by building and operating social housing developments. The institute frequently collaborates with leading architectural firms known for their commitment to both environmentally and socially sustainable construction practices in Catalonia, including previous partnerships with Harquitectes and PerisToral Arquitectos.
For this latest project, IBAVI commissioned Vivas Arquitectos, another Barcelona-based firm with extensive experience in socially engaged projects. The architectural studio has previously worked on a diverse range of developments, from large-scale urban housing blocks and multi-story residential buildings to facilities for homeless individuals. Their portfolio demonstrates a consistent focus on addressing social housing needs through innovative design solutions.
The new development, designated as Project 308, consists of two buildings of different scales situated on a corner lot within a heterogeneous suburban context. The main structure features an L-shaped floor plan with a gross floor area of approximately 25,650 square feet, housing 30 apartments across four upper floors and part of the ground level. The ground floor also accommodates 30 parking spaces, with additional parking located in the basement level.
The smaller rectangular satellite building spans just over 4,950 square feet across two stories, containing the remaining eight housing units. Both structures are unified by their distinctive appearance, characterized by the warm coloration of locally manufactured compressed earth blocks (CEB). The street-facing facades are organized by a grid of French wooden windows with green folding shutters, creating a rhythmic pattern that gives the complex its architectural identity.
The rear elevations feature an external gallery access system that serves both circulation and community interaction purposes. This framework is designed to encourage neighborly connections among residents. The apartments are designed as pass-through units with open, hallway-free floor plans featuring centrally positioned kitchens. Interior spaces predominantly showcase wood and earth surfaces, complemented by pastel-colored tiles in the kitchens, creating an atmosphere that is both raw and welcoming.
The architects' choice to use compressed earth blocks represents a conscious connection to regional building traditions while establishing a visual relationship with the characteristic Marès limestone found on many traditional Mallorcan building facades. The material's high thermal mass and porosity provide excellent bioclimatic comfort, positively impacting both indoor air quality and humidity levels while contributing to the buildings' overall energy efficiency.
This sustainable approach to construction materials reflects a growing trend in contemporary Spanish architecture toward environmentally responsible building practices. The use of locally sourced materials not only reduces transportation costs and environmental impact but also helps integrate the new development into the existing architectural context of the surrounding neighborhood.
The project represents another successful collaboration between IBAVI and progressive architectural practices committed to addressing Spain's housing challenges through innovative, sustainable design. The completion of these 38 units contributes to ongoing efforts to provide affordable housing options for Mallorca residents facing increasing pressure from tourism-driven real estate markets.
