Modulus Matrix: 85 Social Housing in Cornellà has been named as the winner of this year's RIBA International Prize - the prestigious bi-annual prize recognising the world's best architecture.
The six-storey social housing development of 85 homes, located in Cornellà, near Barcelona, Spain, is designed by Peris + Toral Arquitectes and aims to redefine residential design and construction. The concept of Modulus Matrix takes Japanese homes and interiors as a starting point for a modular system of rooms of exactly the same size. Based on the tatami mat module of 3.6m x 3.6m – and interconnected by enfilade rather than corridor – the matrix of rooms makes up the building, which is then organised around a central communal courtyard, with four circulation cores at each corner.
Challenges such as acoustic insulation between neighbours were addressed with thoughtful solutions like simple mesh screens and Barcelona shutters, which also provide privacy and shading. The project achieves low CO₂ emissions using a mass timber structure and the modular system reduces environmental impact and significantly shortens construction times. The combination of low-impact and time-efficient construction allows for the roll-out of similar projects where housing need is greatest.
RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “Peris + Toral Arquitectes’ inspiring housing project in Spain embodies the kind of transformational spirit that is both aspirational and demonstrates genuine change. By embracing flexibility and longevity through long life, loose fit architecture, it is a radical approach to social housing that creates a place designed for people to adapt and inhabit in the long term. This visionary scheme allows for new and future ideas of what constitutes a family, and should be seen as blueprint for delivering sustainable, quality housing around the world at scale. It is a strong example of the ways in which architects can create new and implementable solutions to the common challenge of creating housing for all.”
Marta Peris and Jose Toral, co-founders of Peris + Toral Arquitectes, said: “Winning the RIBA International Prize is a recognition of many years focused on housing that provides new ways of living. We are very proud of the positive feedback from residents of Modulus Matrix."
On behalf of the Grand Jury, Lu Wenyu said: “Through this innovative approach to social housing, Peris + Toral Arquitectes has responded to the shifting demands of societal groupings by crafting a housing project that is adaptive, inclusive and sustainable."
