Terrazas para la vida

Terrazas para la vida was the motto of the winning project in the competition for 40 social housing units, organized by the Barcelona City Council during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, in the neighborhood of Verneda i La Pau. The competition guidelines emphasized building the structure as quickly and sustainably as possible, in response to the ongoing housing and climate crises. To meet these goals, the project was designed with an industrialized structure made of cross-laminated timber (CLT), rising eight stories high, resulting in a construction with negative CO₂ emissions. The building is organized around a central courtyard, ensuring that all rooms in the apartments face outward and receive natural light. Each unit includes large terraces designed for outdoor domestic activities, fostering a connection between indoor living and the exterior environment. These terraces not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also promote social interaction and healthy lifestyles. One of the most innovative features of the building is a solar greenhouse located on the rooftop. This space enables the production of both food and energy on-site. The greenhouse uses six-meter-high stacked trays equipped with a centralized irrigation system and LED lighting. Conceived as a prototype of vertical urban farming, the system can potentially be replicated in other city buildings to encourage local, sustainable food production. The structure enclosing this over-eight-meter-high volume is made entirely of glass, incorporating a semi-transparent photovoltaic surface that generates the electricity required to power the building’s shared spaces and the greenhouse lighting system. This integration of energy production into the architecture itself reflects a commitment to ecological design and energy efficiency. Surrounding the rooftop greenhouse is a community terrace lined with fruit trees, transforming it into a space for communal gatherings and open-air leisure. This green, shared area promotes a sense of neighborhood belonging and offers residents a peaceful escape without leaving the building. On the ground floor, a community center—known locally as a casal de barrio—is planned to be built in the coming months. This space will further enrich the social and cultural life of the neighborhood, providing a venue for local events, workshops, and activities tailored to residents of all ages. In summary, this project not only provides sustainable and high-quality housing but also redefines urban living through innovation in construction, energy use, food production, and community development. It sets a precedent for future residential buildings in cities facing similar environmental and social challenges.