Cris Ballester Parets represents a unique ecosystem of research, production, and practice aligned to ensure overall sustainability in social housing projects developed in the Balearic Islands between 2019 and 2023. With a total focus on sustainability, his work carried out environmental and social innovation on the islands, seeking to create ambitious and sustainable social housing on multiple levels.
The use of almost entirely locally produced materials such as sandstone, posidonia and low-temperature fired terracotta, the use of reused wood and stone, and cooperation with local craftsmen, combined with architectural solutions that respond to the climate and reduce energy demand, have positioned his work as an example for the social housing construction process.
“Over several years, we have overseen the competition of hundreds of homes that have revived local industries, promoted sustainable local materials and created the framework for some of Spain’s leading architects to contribute their research, skills and innovation to our islands, with extraordinary and far-reaching results. We have had to overcome many legal obstacles and deal with financial challenges to support each of their projects' environmental and social innovation but for us, it was absolutely worthwhile.
These homes are flexible and reflect the diverse groups that inhabit them - from single parents to families, to the elderly; some of them encourage other ways of co-living with an abundance of communal spaces. This prize is a welcome recognition of the work of many passionate collaborators and is a prize for all of us that I personally am receiving on behalf of them. I honestly hope our work can continue to be an example for creating ambitious social housing, sustainable on multiple levels, in other locations all over the world.”
Cris Ballester Parets, 2024 RA Architecture Prize winner.
The jury is chaired by Royal Academicians and founders of 6a architects, Tom Emerson OBE and Stephanie Macdonald OBE, internationally recognised London practice currently leading the re-imagination of Tate Liverpool and shortlisted for the British Museum. The jury members include architect, Stéphanie Bru, of leading Paris-based practice, Bruther, a specialist in housing and community projects, internationally exhibited artist Goshka Macuga RA, award-winning architect Níall McLaughlin RA, Harvard Wheelwright scholar 2022, architect and researcher, Marina Otero and former Head of Architecture and Drue Heinz Curator at the RA, Vicky Richardson.
“The 2024 RA Architecture Prize is a reflection of a substantial contribution to the public and a commitment to excellence in architecture and design. I congratulate Cris Ballester Parets whose work in social housing in the Balearic Islands is a model we can take inspiration from in the UK. I look forward to celebrating the prize with architects involved in the project on Tuesday 29 October.”
Sir Lloyd Dorfman CBE, Emeritus Trustee of the Royal Academy Trust and Founding Partner of the RA Architecture Prize Programme.
