The RIBA International Prize 2024 has been awarded to Modulus Matrix: 85 Social Housing in Cornellà, a groundbreaking project by Peris + Toral Arquitectes in Barcelona. This innovative six-story development, completed in 2021, is Spain’s largest timber-framed residential building and redefines social housing with a focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and adaptability. The design features 85 apartments organized around a central communal courtyard, creating a sense of community while prioritizing low CO₂ emissions and efficient use of space.
The project draws inspiration from Japanese filmmaker Yasujirō Ozu, whose work explores the intricacies of family life. Reflecting this influence, the apartments feature a modular layout of equal-sized rooms, open kitchens at their core, and terraces that serve as entryways. This design challenges traditional spatial hierarchies and promotes flexible living arrangements that adapt to residents’ evolving needs. Initially met with skepticism, the design has since won praise from residents who now appreciate its innovative approach to modern living.
RIBA President Muyiwa Oki hailed the project as a powerful example of how architects can address the global housing crisis with practical and sustainable solutions. Marta Peris and Jose Toral, co-founders of the architecture firm, emphasized that the project is not only a milestone in sustainable construction but also a testament to how housing can evolve globally to meet diverse needs.
Selected from over 22 exceptional projects, Modulus Matrix triumphed over two other shortlisted finalists: David Chipperfield Architects’ Jacoby Studios in Germany and O-office Architects’ Lianzhou Museum of Photography in China. The jury praised the project’s ability to blend visionary design with practical functionality, offering a replicable model for future social housing.
All images courtesy of PERIS + TORAL ARQUITECTES
