What is sAtt?
sAtt stands out as the first B Corp architecture and construction company in Spain, setting the bar high with its commitment to social and environmental impact. This isn’t just any architecture firm—it’s a pioneer in sustainable and innovative solutions that span cohousing, offices, consulting, and investment. Their approach? Triple Balance architecture, which rethinks how people, the environment, and the economy interact. It’s about creating spaces that don’t just exist but thrive in harmony with their surroundings and communities.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes sAtt unique:
- Over 400 projects completed since 2001, mainly in Spain but also reaching Germany, Kenya, Nicaragua, and Morocco.
- Specializes in cohousing and coliving projects that blend ecological and social criteria.
- Designs innovative office spaces like coworking and flex offices, tailored for health, productivity, and ecology.
- Offers strategic consulting in sustainability, decarbonization, life cycle analysis, and certifications such as CO2nulo, Passivhaus, Well, Leed, and Breeam.
- Engages in investment by seeking land and investors through impact funds and collective financing.
- Holds a B Corp score of 82.3, reflecting strong commitments to sustainability and social responsibility.
The sAtt Work Process: Think, Design, Build, Enjoy
Their workflow is pretty straightforward but deeply thoughtful. First, they think—analyzing the needs of communities and organizations through sensemaking innovation to craft the best strategy. Then comes design, where new concepts of cohousing and flexible workplaces take shape. When it’s time to build, sAtt operates transparently, especially in renovations, ensuring budgets and concepts are respected. And finally, enjoy—because a project isn’t done once construction ends. They support ongoing learning in usage and maintenance, focusing on productivity, collaboration, health, and sustainability. It’s a full-circle approach that keeps projects alive and evolving.
Driving Forces Behind sAtt
What really fuels sAtt’s mission? It’s a mix of participation, innovation, and a fierce commitment to the planet. They believe in co-creation, involving professionals and users alike in the design process. Innovation isn’t just a buzzword here—they invest serious time and resources into researching new sustainable architecture techniques. Decarbonization is front and center, with CO2nulo buildings that are 100% electrified and powered by renewable energy, minimizing carbon footprints. Ecology matters too, with a focus on low-impact, recycled materials, water reuse, and biophilic design. Plus, they see architecture as a tool for regeneration—restoring social ties and reconnecting people with nature. Resilience is key, designing buildings that support communities with minimal energy and water use, recycling, and even producing food and electricity.
Experience and Milestones
sAtt’s journey is marked by significant milestones that reflect its growth and impact. Founded in 2001 as a satellite of the B612 architecture studio, it has steadily expanded its reach and expertise. The foundation of ECÓMETRO in 2010 helped push ecological measurement in architecture forward. Recognition came in 2017 with the 2nd International GREEN SOLUTIONS AWARDS for the TRIODOS BANK office, highlighting health and comfort. And in 2021, sAtt proudly became Spain’s first B Corp architecture and construction company. Alongside these achievements, the timeline nods to important global moments like the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and the birth of Spain’s first senior cohousing cooperative in 2000—both shaping the context for sAtt’s work.
Project Impact: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – through healthy building designs and promoting collaboration.
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – by creating 100% electrified buildings powered by renewable energy.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – via cohousing and resilient community-focused architecture.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – emphasizing recycled materials and water reuse.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – fighting climate change with decarbonized, low-impact buildings.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – promoting regeneration and biophilic design to restore natural connections.
Collaborations and Associations
sAtt is not working in isolation. It’s part of several associations that align with its values and goals, including the Ecómetro Association, SANNAS Association, and GBCE. These partnerships help amplify their impact and keep them connected to broader movements in sustainable architecture and ecological measurement. It’s a networked approach, reinforcing their commitment to innovation, participation, and regeneration in the built environment.
