Exterior view of a multi-story building with balconies and a blue facade, surrounded by greenery.

The exterior of La Morada, a housing cooperative in Barcelona, showcasing a multi-story building with balconies and a modern design.

Exterior view of a blue building with balconies, greenery in the foreground, and grid-patterned entrance.
Exterior view of a blue building with wooden balconies and large windows, featuring people in the foreground.
Close-up of a building facade with orange wooden window frames and gray tiled walls, showing a spiral staircase through the glass.
Exterior view of a modern building with a curved balcony and white walls.
Interior kitchen space with wooden cabinets and open doors to an outdoor area.
Exterior view of La Morada housing cooperative featuring curved balconies and a glass elevator shaft.
Interior view of La Morada, featuring blue doors, hanging lights, and a staircase.
Interior view of a modern space with a spiral staircase and large windows.
Interior of a modern housing unit with large windows, wooden ceiling, and light-colored walls.
Looking up at a building with curved balconies and staircases, framed by adjacent structures.
A contemporary structure with a blue exterior and numerous windows, set amidst lush trees and open green spaces.
Balcony with a chair and plant, overlooking a building with multiple balconies.
Interior view of a kitchen with red tape designs on the wall, depicting cabinets and appliances, with a group of people engaged in discussion.
Aerial view of people cooking in a communal kitchen, with various food items and cooking utensils visible.
People on balconies of a residential building with a curved staircase.
Illustrated display representing communal living and activities at La Morada, featuring various characters and plants.
A stroller and a large key sign in a light interior space.
Architectural floor plan of La Morada housing cooperative featuring communal kitchen, dining area, and garden.
Architectural floor plan layout of La Morada housing cooperative, highlighting various rooms and communal areas.
Architectural floor plan depicting the arrangement of rooms and community areas within La Morada housing cooperative.
Floor plan layout of La Morada housing cooperative, featuring community kitchen, guest rooms, and outdoor areas.
Architectural diagram illustrating the design and structural components of La Morada housing cooperative.

Story

A pioneering housing cooperative in Roquetes, Barcelona, designed for community-oriented living.

La Morada is a groundbreaking housing cooperative located in the vibrant neighborhood of Roquetes, Barcelona. This innovative project was initiated by a diverse group of lesbians, trans individuals, and women from various feminist activism backgrounds, all united by a vision to create a sustainable, community-oriented, and supportive living model. Developed on a private plot owned by the Fundación la Dinamo, the Morada group secured the land through an open call in 2018, with the ambitious goal of constructing 12 affordable housing units.

The architectural design and construction management were expertly handled by Lacol, who embraced the role of project manager throughout the process. The design journey was marked by a participatory approach, actively involving future residents in shaping the vision of communal living that influences both the community spaces and individual homes.

At the heart of the project lies a spacious communal kitchen on the ground floor, strategically positioned to engage with the neighborhood by opening wide to the plaza. The entrance porch serves as a welcoming transition, facilitating fresh air through cross-ventilation linked to an interior patio. Above the kitchen, a loft accommodates guest rooms and a workspace for remote work, enhancing the functionality of the space.

The rooftop, fully accessible by elevator, boasts a large terrace adorned with a green roof, a photovoltaic pergola, and laundry facilities, further enriching the community experience. The 290 square meters of community spaces are designed for significant usability, complementing the interior areas of the homes.

The architectural approach emphasizes natural light and outdoor connectivity, opting for a larger interior patio while minimizing built structures. Generous walkways serve as both access points and social spaces, promoting interaction among residents. The kitchen acts as a focal point, bridging the communal and private areas while facilitating interaction along the walkways.

The design features a simple yet effective structure, utilizing concrete pillars and beams, along with unidirectional slabs of concrete and ceramic blocks. This rhythmic structural organization allows for small variations in housing layouts across floors while maintaining a cohesive design language. The building is enveloped in 10cm of external insulation and equipped with high-quality wooden closures, complemented by photovoltaic panels and aerothermal systems, achieving an impressive energy label A with zero CO2 emissions.

  • Community-driven design process involving future residents

  • Spacious communal kitchen that opens to the plaza

  • Welcoming entrance porch with cross-ventilation

  • Loft space for guests and remote work

  • Rooftop terrace with green roof and photovoltaic pergola

  • Emphasis on natural light and outdoor connectivity

  • Simple structural design optimizing concrete use

  • Energy-efficient features achieving zero CO2 emissions

Feature Details
Location Roquetes, Barcelona
Year of Completion 2024
Total Area 1,197 m²
Budget €1,870,000
Number of Units 12

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Exterior Walls: The building features a blue facade with a combination of concrete and wood elements.
  • Windows: Large glass windows framed in wood, allowing natural light into the interior.
  • Interior Ceilings: Exposed wooden beams in the kitchen area, contributing to a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

Materials

  • Concrete — Structural elements and exterior walls.
  • Wood — Balconies and window frames.
  • Glass — Windows and elevator shaft.
  • Tile — Interior walls.

Construction / Systems

  • Structural System: The building utilizes concrete pillars and beams, with unidirectional slabs for floors.
  • Facade System: The facade incorporates a blue finish with wooden elements and large glass windows.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: blue, white, wood tones
  • Lighting: Natural light is emphasized through large windows and open spaces.

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