La promoción del Ibavi en Son Gotleu opta al premio Mies van der Rohe 2022

The article, authored by Europa Press and published by Ultima Hora, reports on a notable development in sustainable housing within the Balearic Islands. Europa Press, a reputable news agency, provides factual coverage of regional initiatives, while Ultima Hora is a prominent local newspaper in Palma, Mallorca, known for reporting on social, cultural, and environmental topics. The piece highlights the Instituto Balear de la Vivienda (Ibavi) project in Son Gotleu, Palma, which has been nominated for the prestigious Mies van der Rohe 2022 Architecture Prize, an award that recognises excellence in contemporary European architecture and sustainability.

The Ibavi promotion comprises five public protected‑housing units (VPP) situated on Regal Street in the historic neighbourhood of Son Gotleu. The design revives the traditional “entre‑medianeras” typology that characterises the area before the 1960s construction boom, employing locally sourced marès sandstone as the primary building material. This approach not only respects the cultural heritage of the district but also reduces embodied carbon by utilising regional resources, aligning with the EU’s climate‑neutral objectives for the built environment.

A key sustainability feature is the use of marès, a native sandstone, which replaces more carbon‑intensive imported materials. By sourcing stone locally, the project lowers transportation emissions and supports the circular‑economy principle of reusing regional resources. The initiative also continues Ibavi’s research into “Reusing Posidonia”—the practice of repurposing seagrass residues—demonstrating a broader commitment to innovative, low‑impact construction methods across the Balearic archipelago.

The five‑unit development has been entered into the Mies van der Rohe 2022 Architecture Prize, jointly organised by the Mies van der Rohe Foundation and the European Commission. Out of 532 submissions from 41 countries, 39 Spanish projects were shortlisted, with four representing the Balearic Islands. The selection process involves two phases: an initial nomination in January 2022 followed by a shortlist of 40 works, from which five finalists will be chosen. Winners are scheduled for announcement in April 2022, underscoring the project's prominence on a pan‑European stage.

The design team consists of Ibavi architects Carles Oliver, Alfonso Reina, Antonio Martín, Maria Antònia Garcías, and Xim Moyá. Their collective expertise merges contemporary design with vernacular construction techniques, showcasing how multidisciplinary collaboration can produce housing that is both socially inclusive and environmentally responsible.

The nomination reflects growing European interest in sustainable social housing solutions that integrate local materials, heritage preservation, and low‑carbon construction. By achieving recognition at a continental level, the Son Gotleu project may influence policy frameworks and funding priorities, encouraging other municipalities to adopt similar strategies for affordable, eco‑friendly dwellings.

If selected as a finalist or winner, the Ibavi development will serve as a benchmark for future public housing projects across Europe, illustrating the feasibility of marrying cultural continuity with modern sustainability standards. The initiative demonstrates how regional resources and innovative design can contribute to the EU’s broader climate goals while delivering quality, affordable homes to local communities.