The syn.ikia Spanish demo is now the home of new social housing tenants

In a landmark event this October, 32 new social housing rental units have been handed over to their new tenants in Santa Coloma de Gramenet, with another 6 being available for emergency housing needs. Developed under the EU-funded syn.ikia project, this pioneering initiative marks an innovative step forward in creating Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods (SPENs) within the social housing sector. Developed by the Catalan Institute of Land (INCASÒL) and the Catalan Institute for Energy Research (IREC), the project sets new standards for energy efficiency and social inclusion in public housing. The homes will be allocated to groups vulnerable to social exclusion and will be managed by the Catalan Housing Agency.

A pioneering initiative in Catalonia

The Fondo neighbourhood building is an innovation in Catalonia, and the first of its kind built by INCASÒL. Due to its design, the building generates more energy than it consumes, with any surplus energy distributed to nearby public services, such as the Fondo Health Centre. This “energy synergy” aligns with syn.ikia’s mission to scale up SPENs across Europe, demonstrating that sustainable urban environments can also provide accessible housing solutions to vulnerable populations.

Innovation redefining social housing

Key features such as rooftop photovoltaic panels, centralized heating and hot water systems, and a smart energy management system contribute to the building’s exceptional energy efficiency. An integrated design has been implemented in which a multidisciplinary team has worked together to optimize the energy, economic, and social aspects of the building. This approach, which is longer and more complex than conventional processes, guarantees a building with a minimum energy demand. The energy management system ensures optimized consumption, supporting both sustainability goals and tenants’ comfort. To enhance long-term sustainability, the building also includes a newly introduced role: the energy manager. The responsibilities will be linked to overseeing the building’s energy operations, managing maintenance, and facilitating efficient energy use—a role not yet typical in public housing but crucial for achieving SPEN targets.

The real impact of Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods

The syn.ikia project in Santa Coloma de Gramenet stands as a dual-purpose model: it advances energy-positive communities while providing affordable, high-quality housing to those most in need. The event was attended by regional and local officials, with the Minister for Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition, Sílvia Paneque, highlighting the government’s commitment to providing sustainable, affordable housing for those in need, noting the commitment for 50,000 new public homes in Catalonia. The price of rent paid by tenants ranges between 365 and 486 euros per month, depending on the characteristics and dimensions of the home.

The project not only demonstrates the feasibility of energy-positive housing but also showcases the potential for SPENs to uplift and support communities by addressing both environmental and social needs. Tenants benefit from affordable rents tailored to income and housing adapted for accessibility, with certain apartments prioritized for individuals at risk of social exclusion.

Shaping the future of neighbourhoods all across Europe

This initiative is a part of the syn.ikia project, led by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), which aims to expand SPENs across various climates and contexts. As a replicable model, syn.ikia project underscores how SPENs can be scaled within public and affordable housing sectors, fostering resilient communities that actively contribute to Europe’s sustainability targets. The Santa Coloma development exemplifies how sustainable housing is not only achievable but essential for inclusive urban development. With ongoing efforts from syn.ikia and its partners, sustainable plus energy neighbourhoods promise to transform housing standards across Europe, delivering both environmental and social benefits.

The successful completion of the Santa Coloma de Gramenet project is a testament to the power of collaborative design and shared vision in creating inclusive, sustainable neighbourhoods. As part of syn.ikia’s broader mission, the Fondo neighbourhood stands as an example of what is possible when energy-positive solutions meet social responsibility, paving the way for a resilient and sustainable future in public housing.