Stefano Boeri Architetti is redefining affordable housing in Ibiza with Sa Casa, an innovative community composed of four modular timber blocks. This housing set for Ca n’Escandell on the outskirts of Ibiza Town, spans a 5,505-square-meter area, allocating roughly 190 apartments across the blocks. In a nod to sustainability, these buildings are organized around a vibrant, planted communal space, creating a seamless flow between residential and natural environments.
Modular Timber Housing with Cross-Laminated Timber
This project leverages cross-laminated timber (CLT) for its modular framework, allowing for adaptability over time. Prefabricated components aim to minimize construction waste and onsite work. The flexibility of the CLT system supports various apartment configurations, while accommodating residents with diverse needs, including enhanced accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility. The design also incorporates shared work and communal spaces, making it resilient to the evolving requirements of public housing.
For another fascinating take on innovative housing projects, explore how RTA Studio’s Timber Masterpiece fuses biophilic design with carbon positive engineering.
Garden-Focused Design with Outdoor Connectivity
Central to Sa Casa’s concept is its lush landscaping. Timber-framed facades face each other across planted pathways, and spacious balconies blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The Mediterranean vegetation weaves through courtyards and extends onto green roofs, enhancing the project’s environmental strategy. These gardens not only provide aesthetic value but also foster a sense of community, linking the housing with the wider neighborhood.
Integrating Sustainable Elements for Climate Adaptation
Responding to Ibiza’s climate, the design incorporates natural shading, cross ventilation, and green roofs to reduce dependence on mechanical cooling. Photovoltaic panels contribute renewable energy, while systems for rainwater and greywater reuse emphasize sustainability. This eco-friendly approach aligns with the island’s conditions, supporting the architects‘ vision of ecologically responsible living solutions.
The Sa Casa project, with design led by Stefano Boeri Architetti in collaboration with SOCOTEC Spain as the local architect and sustainability consultant, aligns with the pressing need for sustainable, adaptable housing solutions in Ibiza. As the competition winner, it stands as a forward-thinking model for public-funded rental communities, utilizing repeatable timber elements to adapt over time. The architects’ innovative use of green space and modern timber design promises a sustainable future for urban living.
Project Info:
- Name: Sa Casa
- Architect: Stefano Boeri Architetti | @stefanoboeriarchitetti
- Location: Ibiza, Spain
- Status: Competition winner, ongoing
- Client: Entidad Estatal de Vivienda, Casa 47
- Local Architect, Sustainability Strategy: SOCOTEC Spain
- Design Team: Stefano Boeri, Hana Narváez, Silvia Fernández, Nahed Zmeter, Yulia Filatova, Mohamed Hassan Elgendy
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sa Casa project in Ibiza?
The Sa Casa project redefines affordable housing with four modular timber blocks organized around a vibrant communal space in Ibiza’s Ca n’Escandell district. It features approximately 190 apartments and focuses on sustainability through innovative design.
How does the Sa Casa project incorporate sustainability?
The Sa Casa project uses cross-laminated timber for its modular framework, minimizing construction waste. It integrates natural shading, cross ventilation, photovoltaic panels, and systems for rainwater and greywater reuse to enhance sustainability.
What benefits do the gardens in Sa Casa provide?
The gardens in Sa Casa improve environmental strategy by weaving Mediterranean vegetation through courtyards and green roofs. They provide aesthetic value, foster a sense of community, and connect the housing with the wider neighborhood.