Port Authority Housing

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Architecture · Subcategory: Civil architecture · Year: 1966 · Authors: Luis Cabrera y Sánchez-Real

This group of limited-rent housing promoted by the Board of Houses for Officials, Technicians and Employees of the Ministry of Public Works was designed by architect Luis Cabrera in 1964.  

Taking into account the existing neoclassical-style building of the Board of Port Works headquarters (today Port Authority), Cabrera designed three blocks for the new housing that would surround it, two on the sides and another at the back.

The structure of reinforced pillars in arranged bays supports the weight of the buildings. The elevator and staircase shafts, the vertical service ducts, and the break in the façades result in a simple and effective exterior, complemented by large balconies and windows with sliding shutters. The roofs are closed by metal mesh between reinforced concrete lines.

The lower parts of the complexes, occupied by commercial premises and garages, are very interesting, all surrounded by planters and more open-air parking.

The interior layout of the homes, with a through living room, guarantees cross ventilation from sea breezes, placing the bedrooms at the back.  

The complexity of the work (large number of homes, central building to respect, common space solutions, etc.) was resolved very effectively in all aspects.  The residential complex was completed in 1966.

28.478143, -16.244607