Renovation works at the Zaragoza demonstration site have reached a significant milestone, with the main exterior interventions now completed. At the Balsas de Ebro Viejo housing estate, upgrades to the building envelope, roof, accessibility systems and renewable energy installations are now in place.
The works focus on improving energy performance, accessibility and long-term building durability, while allowing residents to remain in their homes throughout much of the construction process.
A KOVER modular façade system has been installed across the building exterior. The system uses prefabricated elements that are mounted onto the existing structure, significantly improving thermal performance compared to the original façade.
In addition to the façade installation, insulation works have been carried out on the roof and in the sanitary flooring. These measures reduce heat loss in winter and limit overheating in summer — particularly relevant in Zaragoza’s continental climate, where buildings are exposed to both high summer temperatures and cold winters.
Four new lift towers have been added using the Metro7 Minimal modular system. These prefabricated structures integrate both lifts and staircases and were installed adjacent to the existing building.
The addition of these towers improves accessibility for residents, particularly older occupants and those with reduced mobility. It also brings the building closer to contemporary accessibility standards.
Because the lift towers are modular and industrialised, installation time on site was reduced compared to conventional construction methods.
Photovoltaic panels have now been installed, increasing the building’s on-site renewable energy generation capacity. This supports a shift toward electrified energy use and reduces overall grid demand.
At the same time, service connections are being renovated. Updating electrical and related infrastructure ensures compatibility with the new energy systems and improves the reliability of building services.
With façade installation complete, insulation works finalised, lift towers in place and solar panels installed, the building’s exterior transformation is now clearly visible.
The focus will now shift toward finalising remaining works and monitoring building performance once systems are fully operational.

