Urbanización El Paraíso is a social housing project located in Valparaíso, Antioquia, Colombia, completed in 2019. Spanning 12,767.91 square meters, this project aims to enhance the quality of life for the local community, particularly targeting low-income families. It addresses the significant housing deficit in the region, where approximately 35% of the population lacks adequate housing.
Technical and Financial Capacity Development
The project involved the local community extensively, with 26 individuals receiving training through the National Learning Service (SENA) and the CESDE Academic Institution. This initiative not only provided technical skills but also financial literacy, enabling community members to participate actively in the construction process.
Social Strategy and Community Building
Through the SYMA CULTURE social strategy, the project fostered leadership skills and community organization. This approach enhanced security, a sense of belonging, and the protection of shared heritage. Workshops on financial capabilities, saving strategies, and mortgage credit were conducted, making homeownership accessible even to families earning less than USD 15 daily.
Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change
The project prioritized environmental sustainability by restoring surrounding forests and the Yalí creek, planting native species, and creating ecological corridors. These measures not only promoted biodiversity but also improved resilience to flooding and extreme weather events. The project also implemented differentiated networks for domestic wastewater and rainwater, along with rainwater infiltration and storage strategies.
Resource Efficiency and Circularity
Urbanización El Paraíso excelled in resource efficiency, reusing 688 tonnes of construction and demolition waste (CDW) and recycling over 18,000 tonnes of solid waste during construction and the first year of operation. The project achieved a 25% reduction in water consumption and an 18.95% improvement in energy efficiency, adhering to the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 standard.
Economic Accessibility
The project created 120 formal jobs, promoting diversity and equal employment opportunities. Notably, 20% of the new jobs were filled by individuals over 55, 25% by those under 25, 10% by indigenous people, 5% by women, and 3% by disabled individuals. For 91% of homeowners, this was their first home, and 15% of the project collaborators also became homeowners. The housing units were priced at just over USD 25,000 , well below Colombia’s maximum social housing value of USD 30,733 , ensuring affordability.
Habitability and Comfort
El Paraíso received the highest score in the ‘Wellbeing’ category of the CASA Colombia Certification. The housing units feature natural ventilation systems, ensuring thermal comfort in a region with year-round temperatures around 27°C. These systems also help prevent diseases related to indoor air pollution and mold. The design promotes natural lighting and ventilation, significantly improving residents’ quality of life. Unlike many social housing projects, residents are encouraged to personalize their homes’ interior design.
Community and Connectivity
Strategically located on the main municipal transport route, El Paraíso is within walking distance of essential services and the central park. The project includes open spaces for social interaction, recreation, and commercial activities, positioning it as a new municipal center. An ecological trail and an urban agriculture area further enhance community engagement and financial sustainability.
Awards and Recognition
Urbanización El Paraíso has received several accolades, including the Women in Construction category award from Construimos a La Par, the National Camacol Corporate Social Responsibility Award for Best Environmental Management Program 2022, the CASA Colombia Certification for Exceptional Level of Sustainability (5 Stars), and the Corantioquia Sustainability Seal in Category A.
In summary, Urbanización El Paraíso stands as a model for sustainable social housing, combining environmental stewardship, economic accessibility, and community development to create a thriving, resilient community.
Learn more：https://worldgbc.org/case_study/urbanizacion-el-paraiso/
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