thick marés sandstone walls compose 19 social housing, salvador espriu by IBAVI in palma

19 Social Housing Project Features Innovative L-Shaped Design

The 19 social housing project, Salvador Espriu, by IBAVI, located in Palma, is comprised of two interconnected volumes forming an L-shape, with orientations spanning east-west and north-south. The housing typologies consist of two- and three-bedroom units, designed with double orientations and featuring a structure composed of 20 cm-thick load-bearing marés sandstone walls. These walls provide thermal mass for passive summer cooling and support natural cross ventilation.

In contrast to the phase one building (39 Salvador Espriu) with an 8-meter buildable depth, this second phase presents a 13.5-meter depth, necessitating a design approach that frees the facade from structural load-bearing duties to optimize illumination for the units. Floors are constructed using wooden beams resting on parallel walls between the dwellings, composed of 20x20x80 cm local sandstone blocks. These marés pieces are halved to adhere to weight regulations for worker handling.

all images by ©Milena Villalba

IBAVI Embraces Menorcan System in Salvador Espriu Housing plan

The structural approach followed by IBAVI draws from the Menorcan system, influenced by the Catalan technique introduced in the 13th century, as opposed to the traditional Majorcan method, which loads slabs on facade walls. Windows are shielded by a colonnade of 40×40 cm stone pillars, creating a loggia that accommodates roller blinds, fences, and vines for sun protection and porch privacy.

The holistic design of the buildings and public spaces promotes residents’ engagement in outdoor communal spaces during summer nights, reminiscent of the Mediterranean lifestyle. This approach aligns with the recovery of the dense, compact, low-rise Mediterranean city model, incorporating public spaces that mitigate the ‘heat island’ effect. The project is captured by architectural photographer Milena Villalba.

the structure is constructed with 20 cm-thick marés sandstone walls for thermal mass and passive cooling

Salvador Espriu social housing features interconnected volumes forming an L-shape design

the housing complex includes two- and three-bedroom units with double orientations for optimal airflow

marés sandstone pieces are cut in half to meet weight regulations for easy handling during construction

the design supports Mediterranean lifestyle habits, encouraging outdoor communal engagement

stone pillars provide sun protection and privacy for porches and terraces

the project fosters natural cross-ventilation for energy-efficient living spaces

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project info:

name: 19 social housing, Salvador Espriu

architect: IBAVI – Institut Balear de l’habitatge | @ibavi.goib

design team: Carles Oliver, Antonio Martín, Xim Moyà, Alfonso Reina Ferragut (IBAVI)

location: Palma, Spain

photography: Milena Villalba | @milena_archphoto

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom