The second building of the provisional proximity housing program (also known as APROP) will be ready in the Sant Martí district in just a few months by Calaf Constructora, to accommodate families in emergency situations and young people, a vulnerable group within the real estate market, with a total investment of 4 million euros.

The modular buildings prefabricated from recycled shipping containers will feature 42 apartments, 35 of them with two bedrooms, and a total capacity of 110 people. This proposal aims to offer rapid and sustainable habitable and dignified spaces for population groups with housing access issues, such as those affected by evictions, and to foster a sense of belonging in Barcelona’s various neighborhoods.

Several controversies have arisen regarding the use of recyclable materials and the initial precariousness these types of housing might present. However, APROP provides a dignified solution for residents who find themselves needing to leave their homes and are seeking a short-term stay to find alternative accommodation that fits their available budget, thereby maintaining an equitable territorial distribution thanks to the plots used and the optimization of urban space.

The second building of the provisional proximity housing program (also known as APROP) will be ready in the Sant Martí district in just a few months by Calaf Constructora, to accommodate families in emergency situations and young people, a vulnerable group within the real estate market, with a total investment of 4 million euros.

The modular buildings prefabricated from recycled shipping containers will feature 42 apartments, 35 of them with two bedrooms, and a total capacity of 110 people. This proposal aims to offer rapid and sustainable habitable and dignified spaces for population groups with housing access issues, such as those affected by evictions, and to foster a sense of belonging in Barcelona’s various neighborhoods.

Several controversies have arisen regarding the use of recyclable materials and the initial precariousness these types of housing might present. However, APROP provides a dignified solution for residents who find themselves needing to leave their homes and are seeking a short-term stay to find alternative accommodation that fits their available budget, thereby maintaining an equitable territorial distribution thanks to the plots used and the optimization of urban space.

With the support of the Barcelona Social Housing Council and the Barcelona City Council, the proposal for Bolivia Street is based on a fully industrialized construction, characterized by its brevity, hygiene, a significant reduction in noise and visual pollution, and thus, respect for the well-being of local residents. However, it also stands out for the use of recycled and biodegradable materials, which allows for fostering technological innovation in the sustainability sector as well as increasing employment.

The layout of the reception buildings includes an open kitchen, a full bathroom, and a dining and storage area for two-bedroom apartments. Regarding common areas, a laundry service, workshop and leisure areas, and a garden space for self-cultivation have also been included.

Santiago López, head of the Building Department at Calaf Constructora, states that these revolutionary new private residences minimize acoustic, visual, and environmental impact and reduce occupational risks resulting from long and polluting traditional construction processes.

APROP has been very well received by Barcelona’s institutions and organizations due to its low CO2 emissions, with the inclusion of solar panels, cross-ventilation, and natural light access inside the homes, advocating for renewable energy and low energy consumption.

However, the social function of the projects also plays a fundamental role in the approval of the APROP property network. The City Council’s Housing Councillor, Lucía Martín, comments that 50% of the homes are designated for families, both single-parent and other types, registered on the Emergency Housing Board and in urgent need of housing, while the other half will be occupied by young people, a quarter of the applicants for apartments seeking emancipation or low-cost provisional rent. The type of contract these residences will have, adjusted to the Urban Leases Law, is still being considered.

The APROP initiative achieves the construction of quality housing in just 9 months from the start of project design and offers the advantage of easy assembly and transport of materials once the project is completed. Furthermore, in the coming years, the construction of approximately 4,000 apartments with these characteristics is planned throughout Barcelona (in the Gothic Quarter, Glòries, and Can Batlló), and several countries like Vancouver, Copenhagen, London, or Amsterdam have considered the possibility of including similar proposals in their urban areas.