A sustainable row house in Sabadell designed for comfort and efficiency.

Nestled within a narrow and deep plot in Sabadell, this innovative home by Vallribera Noray Arquitectes exemplifies the art of maximizing comfort while minimizing resource consumption. Designed for a couple wishing to remain in their neighborhood without the burden of high energy bills, the house spans just twenty palms wide—approximately four meters—reflecting a traditional Catalan measure that defines the rhythm of the city's streets.

The project began with the deconstruction of a ruined existing structure, carefully salvaging materials to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability. The new home is organized over two levels, with the ground floor featuring an open kitchen, living, and dining area that connects seamlessly to a courtyard. Instead of a garage, the space typically reserved for a car has been transformed into a welcoming entrance hall, complete with bicycle parking, laundry, and storage.

Central to the design is a bathroom and an open staircase that invites natural light deep into the home, ensuring visual continuity throughout the spaces. The first floor comprises a bedroom, a study, and another bathroom, all designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. The structure is ingeniously crafted from cross-laminated timber (CLT), resting on existing party walls, while the ground floor features timber beams and slats that connect the upper and lower levels.

The street façade has been restored to reflect the original appearance of the house, with a focus on natural and sustainable materials. The use of wood for the structure, windows, shutters, furniture, and doors contributes to a warm, inviting atmosphere. Insulation is provided through wood fiber, and the façades are clad with cork panels, enhancing the home's environmental credentials.

Inside, the upper floor enjoys the warmth of exposed timber, while the ground floor features ceramic tiles and brickwork that help regulate temperature and humidity. The design cleverly eliminates the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems, relying instead on a highly optimized envelope and bioclimatic strategies. In summer, cross ventilation and roof windows enhance cooling, while traditional shutters and ceiling fans provide comfort. The courtyard features a pergola and vegetation that not only provide shade but also mitigate the heat island effect.

In winter, the house captures every ray of sunlight, retaining warmth due to effective insulation. This thoughtful design allows the couple to live comfortably with only the space they need—free from unnecessary rooms and soaring energy bills. Today, they enjoy a home that breathes, respects the climate, and adapts to their lifestyle.

• Tailor-made design focusing on minimal resource consumption

• Use of natural materials and bioclimatic strategies

• Open-plan ground floor connecting to a courtyard

• Cross-laminated timber structure for sustainability

• Restored street façade reflecting original architecture

• No reliance on mechanical heating or cooling systems