Winner - Social Housing Torre Baró
Madrid, Spain
Architect Agencies: DATAAE, narch arquitectes, maira arquitectes
Fabricator: Finestcris
Product Solutions used: SOLEAL windows and sliders
Photographer: Adrià Goula
“The prize was given to this project because it has achieved net zero energy by using efficient equipment and solar panels. The project features high-quality social housing with well-planned space, a bioclimatic roof, and carefully arranged plantings based on sunlight exposure". Jury comments
The architectural companies DATAAE, narch arquitectes, and maira arquitectes have designed this building of 47 social housing units in the Torre Baró neighbourhood, characterized by its steep terrain. The project deepens the connection between residential living, public space, and the city by using intermediary spaces to create a transition between the street and the home. At the heart of the design is a large bioclimatic atrium, a welcoming area on the ground floor that serves as a central passage for residents, connecting them to the various stairwells. This energy-efficient shared space aims to become a year-round hub for interaction among residents and future generations. The central space, thanks to a bioclimatic roof that can open, close, and protect the building from the sun, functions as a greenhouse in winter and as a highly ventilated shaded area in summer. This results in a thermally favourable environment that adapts to the building's environmental needs, by improving the thermal performance of the interior facade, and aids in energy exchange with the units, reducing ventilation losses. The advantages of this communal space also transform both the central area and the generously sized stair landings into social spaces for residents to gather, play, or interact. From a typological perspective, each apartment incorporates a terrace-gallery style communal space, which functions as a passive thermal zone. In summer, this open, exterior, and ventilated space aids in cooling the apartments through cross-ventilation. In winter, it becomes an enclosed, heat-gaining area that contributes thermal energy to the living room through the greenhouse effect, minimizing the need for heating. Each terrace acts as a private buffer between the interior and exterior. The building offers a unified design of patio apartments where all rooms are located along the facade, benefiting from natural light and views.
Special Mention - INSA School of Architecture
Strasbourg, France
Architect Agencies: COSA / RHB Architectes (Associated)
Fabricator: Evoluglass
Product solutions used: SOLEAL windows and sliders, GEODE façades
Photographer: Camille Gharbi
"It has been decided to award a special mention to this project for its sustainable renovation, employing decorbonized materiales like wood and achieving excellent energy performance through advanced thermal insulation, efficent windows, facade, and roof, alongside smart use of natural daylight and energy-controlling shutters." Jury comments
For this new building, COSA and RHB architects focused on selecting materials with purpose and efficiency. Their goal was to maximize versatility, functionality, and practicality through thoughtful material use. This is evident in the building’s structure, where layered wooden beams naturally define the spaces, and in the carefully chosen finishes. The primary beams are arranged to support one or two linear rows of SOLEAL sliders in each workshop. By minimizing visible aluminium, these slim, elegant frames allow more natural light to flood the interiors. The consistent grid pattern not only optimizes material use but also helps lower costs by reducing the amount of aluminium needed. Additionally, the building’s design avoids false ceilings, leaving systems exposed, and raw walls reduce the need for plastering, all contributing to a reduced carbon footprint. In response to the changing needs of modern education and a commitment to sustainability, the new school of architecture is designed as a compact, flexible structure. The different elements of the building are carefully integrated to create an efficient and coherent design. These components are interchangeable and adaptable, allowing the building to evolve and meet future needs. This flexibility ensures that the spaces can support various activities, from individual workstations to collaborative group areas. The project's sustainability is also visible in its external design. Its compact structure has saved space, turning what used to be asphalt on the North side into a "prototype garden." This green area acts as a creative space where students can work outdoors, enjoying nature while boosting their creativity. The garden also helps local wildlife by using native plants, which support biodiversity. The design is both simple and versatile, allowing each workshop space to serve multiple purposes: students can work alone or in groups in the lounge, or attend video-projected lectures. This flexibility makes the design highly durable and positions it as a model for future educational spaces that combine sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
