A Model for Affordable, Sustainable Housing for Vulnerable Families – The Schio municipality (Vicenza) Experience”

Europe

Roberto Grande

Head of Cabinet President Roberto Ciambetti

The initiative aims to provide affordable, high-quality housing for vulnerable families as part of the broader “Bioecological Village of Magrè” urban development plan. It integrates sustainability, social inclusion, and energy efficiency into urban planning, demonstrating how public residential projects can revitalize local communities while supporting regional family and housing policies.

Vulnerable families, as identified through the Family Factor—a supplementary tool used to assess the social and economic vulnerability of households applying for social benefits and individually requested services. The criteria specifically include: – Large families with a high number of dependents, – Presence of older individuals, – Presence of persons with disabilities or non self-sufficient members, – Single-parent households, – Loss of income due to employment-related difficulties

2025

2023 onwards

The Magrè public housing initiative demonstrates strong consistency over time, from its initial planning phase within the “Villaggio Bioecologico di Magrè” urban development strategy to its implementation and long-term social objectives. The project reflects a coherent and sustained approach to public housing and to family policies. • It was strategically financed ensuring financial sustainability without relying on temporary or extraordinary funds. • The design and construction strictly followed urban and environmental planning tools, showing alignment with long-term territorial development goals. • The use of the Family Factor, a regionally adapted indicator, ensures that the allocation of housing remains consistent with evolving social policies and demographic needs in the Veneto Region. • The achievement of the LEED for Homes certification not only confirms high environmental standards at the time of construction, but also sets a foundation for long-term energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and cost savings for residents. • Ongoing impact is supported by the adaptability of housing types and criteria that remain responsive to changing family structures and vulnerabilities over time. Together, these elements illustrate a well-integrated and future-oriented model of public housing that consistently supports social inclusion, sustainability, and regional policy objectives

1. Relevance • The project addresses pressing social needs by providing affordable public housing for vulnerable families, aligned with regional priorities and urban planning strategies. • It is embedded within the “Villaggio Bioecologico di Magrè” urban development plan, which ensures coherence with local policies for sustainable and inclusive urban environments. • The use of the Family Factor for tenant selection ensures the practice targets socially and economically fragile households, including large families, single parents, older people, and people with disabilities. 2. Effectiveness • The construction of 18 diverse housing units (1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments) ensures responsiveness to varying household needs. • All units include livable terraces and are assigned through a transparent ranking system that prioritizes social vulnerability. • The practice effectively combines social equity with high environmental standards, achieving its stated goals. 3. Efficiency • The project was financed with over €3 million, sourced entirely from proceeds of Ater’s property sales, showcasing strong financial planning and internal reinvestment capacity. • The design adheres to cost constraints typical of public housing, without compromising environmental or construction quality standards. • The integration of garages and service areas on the ground floor maximizes spatial functionality. 4. Impact • The buildings have achieved LEED for Homes international certification, signifying substantial environmental benefits, energy efficiency, and reduced long-term costs for tenants. • Independent performance testing (e.g., Blower Door Tests, airflow and water use assessments) confirms the high technical standards and direct benefits for residents' comfort and utility expenses. • The practice contributes to urban regeneration and social cohesion by integrating vulnerable households into a thoughtfully designed residential context. 5. Sustainability • The project promotes long-term sustainability through energy-saving architecture, responsible use of natural resources, and compliance with seismic and acoustic standards. • The LEED certification process ensures ongoing performance monitoring and alignment with global best practices in green building. • Its financing model—based on reinvested internal funds—enhances financial sustainability, reducing reliance on temporary or external funding sources. • The allocation system, based on the Family Factor, can be adapted over time to evolving social conditions, ensuring the approach remains relevant and inclusive.

1. Ater di Vicenza, (Azienda Territoriale per l’Edilizia Residenziale), Public Authority of The Veneto Region o Role: Main project promoter and developer o Responsibilities: Implementation of the buildings, funding management, and allocation of housing through a ranking system based on the "Family Factor" o 2. Municipality of Schio o Role: Host territory and urban planning authority o Involvement: Oversight of urban development under the "Villaggio Bioecologico di Magrè" plan 3. Architects & Technical Designers 4. LEED for Homes Green Raters 5. GBCI (Green Business Certification Inc.) o Role: Third-party certification authority responsible for awarding the LEED for Homes certification 6. Qualified Energy Rater o tests (e.g., Blower Door Tests, ventilation measurements, water flow assessments) This network of Public Authorities, agencies, technical professionals, and certification bodies demonstrates a strong and structured partnership model supporting sustainable and inclusive family housing policy.

Expand Sustainable Public Urban and Housing Models Building on the success of the Magrè project, a future goal could be the replication of the "bioecological village" model in other urban areas, promoting energy-efficient, environmentally certified public housing that respects cost constraints while improving residents' quality of life.