HARMONIA — Housing Affordability through Renewal, Modernization and New Integrated Approaches
A Horizon Europe-funded project developing innovative, affordable and sustainable social housing across Europe, through energy renovation, off-site construction, circular materials and inclusive community-driven design. New residential developments will be delivered in Kalamata, Greece as part of the project's real-world pilots.
EU Funding: €7,971,758.00
Program: Horizon Europe NEBÂ
Pilots: 3 real + 2 virtual
Total Investment Kalamata Pilot: €4M
GAP-101308922
Across Europe, families and vulnerable groups face a housing crisis — rising rents, deteriorating social housing stock and projects that stall due to financing barriers. HARMONIA addresses this through four integrated pillars: affordability, environmental sustainability, inclusiveness and beauty — turning housing from a construction task into a community-driven innovation process that stimulates local economies and builds climate-neutral, resilient neighbourhoods.
Project Objectives:
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Lower construction and renovation costs through industrialized, off-site delivery methods
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Develop three tailored business models for renovation, new construction and hybrid development
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Achieve energy-efficient and zero-carbon buildings across all pilots
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Trigger urban regeneration and limit urban sprawl through adaptive reuse
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Protect vulnerable households and ensure affordable housing for all
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Deliver accessible and inclusive design in real and virtual pilots
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Achieve spatial identity and accessible public areas
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Engage citizens and evidence human-centred beauty through applied neuro-aesthetics
KALAMATA PILOT — New Construction:
The Municipality of Kalamata is developing a flagship social housing complex as part of HARMONIA — 24 zero-energy apartments across a 3-floor building (2,000m² total, Phase I of 6 planned buildings covering 19,500m²). Targeting near-zero energy operation with 100% on-site rooftop PV, the building will house students, young families, elderly and low-income citizens. Construction period: 2028–2029.
BENEFITS:
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For residents and communities:
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Affordable, zero-energy homes for vulnerable households
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Reduced energy bills — 100% on-site renewable energy supply
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Inclusive, accessible design meeting universal design standards
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Co-designed spaces reflecting local identity and heritage
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Social protection mechanisms — rent caps, right-to-return clauses
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For municipalities:
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Replicable model for social housing development with no land take
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Blended finance model combining public, private and EU grant funding
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Full asset reversion to municipality at end of concession period
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Alignment with EU Mission for Climate-Neutral Cities
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Demonstrated pathway to climate-neutral, inclusive urban development