Non-Hierarchical Social Housing

Barcelona-based architectural duo Peris + Toral has realised 43 flats made of clay on Ibiza, setting new standards in social housing construction. The use of earth walls, specifically compressed stabilised earth blocks (CSEB), also known as block terre comprimée (BTC), enhances the energy efficiency and comfort of the building.

The design achieves a 60% reduction in carbon emissions, with a deliberate decision to eliminate active heating and cooling systems entirely. Instead, the building’s orientation and construction are designed to regulate the internal climate, using courtyards that function as atriums in winter and solar chimneys in summer.

Air-dried blocks of compressed earth from the region characterise the interior rooms. © José Hevia

The CSE blocks provide significant thermal inertia and mass, effectively managing acoustic separation between neighbours with a single leaf construction while also regulating ambient relative humidity. This material has a low carbon footprint, requiring less energy to produce and generating lower CO₂ emissions compared to conventional building systems.  The project also offers a non-hierarchical housing solution with equal-sized rooms, integrating both environmental and social strategies to provide sustainable, comfortable living spaces. 

Openings in the facade let cool sea breezes into the interior. © José Hevia

Here you will find an overview of all projects nominated for the DETAIL Award 2024.

The winners of the Detail Award 2024 will be announced on 2 December at the Bavarian Chamber of Architects in Munich. You can watch the award ceremony either directly on site or online. You are cordially invited to attend. All information on registration can be found here.