La Balma is a pioneering cooperative housing project in Barcelona's Poblenou neighborhood, developed on municipal land ceded by the city council in 2017. It was the first project to begin construction among those awarded in the 2016 municipal competition for cooperative housing.
The community consists of about 30 people in 20 cohabitation units, representing a diverse mix of ages and family types. The project aims to promote communal living and strengthen connections within the building and with the surrounding neighborhood. La Balma features 20 apartments, including one dedicated to a social inclusion initiative for young people transitioning out of foster care.
Designed by architecture firms LaCol and LaBoqueria, the building incorporates sustainable practices and community spaces distributed across all floors. These include a communal kitchen-dining area, multipurpose rooms, and a rooftop terrace with gardens. The apartments are flexibly designed, allowing for various configurations to meet changing needs over time.
La Balma seeks to provide affordable, non-speculative housing in response to Barcelona's housing crisis. The project emphasizes participatory design, environmental sustainability, and the creation of a supportive community. It represents a growing movement in Barcelona to develop alternative housing models that prioritize social and environmental values over profit.