In recent years, Industrialized construction has begun to gain ground as a response to the challenges of the real estate sector, especially the lack of qualified labor and the tight deadlines for the delivery of new public housing. In cities like BarcelonaThis model has allowed the construction of entire buildings in record time, clearly different from traditional brick and mortar construction.
The move towards modular systems, where the parts of the houses are pre-manufactured and then assembled in the final location, is very reminiscent of assembling a large-scale LEGO setThis construction method has not only accelerated delivery times, but has also significantly reduced waste, emissions, and worker exposure to hazards on the job site.
Public housing that can be built in days
A clear example is found in the Bordeta neighborhood, where In just 10 days, a block of 40 apartments has been built. thanks to the use of prefabricated modules. Each of these modules arrives at the site practically finished, including the kitchen, bathroom, windows, electrical systems, and essential furnishings. This solution allows the foundations to be prepared on the site while the modules are being manufactured in the workshop, shortening timeframes and minimizing interference.
The building has nine floors and is designed for rentals to young people and single-parent families. Furthermore, the homes are not only designed to provide a roof over their heads, but also to facilitate community life, as they include common spaces such as terraces, a laundry room, a dining room, and multipurpose areas. Everything is expected to be ready for delivery of keys by the end of 2026.
Why the LEGO model is gaining ground in construction
The modular system, inspired similar to traditional LEGO blocks, offers a number of notable advantages for the public housing sector. On the one hand, significantly reduces lead times and costs, which is crucial when working with European funds or when there are urgent housing needs. On the other hand, improves sustainability, since workshop construction generates less waste and allows for stricter control of materials and processes.
Barcelona, which already has more than 400 apartments built using this method in different neighborhoods, has demonstrated that it is possible to offer housing alternatives. fast, economical and qualityThe architects responsible, including Vivas Arquitectos and professionals like Judith Crespo and Oihana GarcÃa, prioritize not only design and functionality, but also environmental and social impact.
This model is also key to overcoming the shortage of human resources In construction, especially in rural areas or where the mobility of skilled workers is limited. In Aragon, for example, industrialization is being promoted to build new housing developments, although adaptation in rural environments continues to present logistical and urban planning challenges.
Challenges and opportunities of modular construction
Experience shows that the success of the LEGO system depends as much on the coordination between administrations and companies as on the flexibility in urban planning regulationsSome municipalities establish very specific aesthetic or structural requirements, such as the use of stone or traditional roofs, which can make the introduction of these technologies difficult.
Furthermore, the automation and standardization They even make it possible for bathrooms to arrive ready to be installed, further reducing construction times and facilitating access to housing where it's most needed. Companies like CompactHabit, which specialize in these modules, have already successfully completed multiple buildings.
The construction of public housing inspired by the LEGO system is opening a new stage in the sector, combining speed, quality, and sustainability. Faced with the lack of miracle solutions to the housing crisis, options like this are emerging as realistic alternatives to address the housing emergency in many cities and towns.
