Fabra & Coats

The Fabra & Coats housing project, located in Barcelona, Spain, is a pioneering transformation of an industrial heritage site into social housing. The project, designed by Roldán + Berengué, incorporates 46 housing units, including 41 for young people and 5 for artists. The original building, constructed in 1905, has been preserved and reused, maintaining its historical character while incorporating modern, sustainable elements. The project features a unique, reversible construction using wood in various forms, allowing for easy disassembly and recycling. The wooden structure is five times lighter than steel, enabling the conversion of two floors into four. The façade and roof serve as a thermal buffer, reducing the need for air conditioning. The building's original brick walls and ceramic tile roof provide thermal and shading properties, while the new wooden façade creates an in-between space for air circulation. This innovative project combines industrial heritage rehabilitation, social housing, and wood construction, setting a new standard for sustainable and efficient urban development.