Kronos Homes: A decade of commitment to architecture and sustainability
Kronos Homes celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, a milestone that reflects its firm commitment to transforming the urban landscape in Spain and Portugal. Since its inception, the developer has stood out for its focus on sustainability, design, and the creation of urban spaces that prioritize well-being and integration with the environment. In this interview, CEO Rui Meneses Ferreira shares insights on the company’s evolution, the essential role of architecture in its projects, and the keys to its strategy for meeting the growing demand for sustainable and luxury housing on the Iberian Peninsula.
Kronos Homes is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. Where does the company currently stand? How has it evolved?
At Kronos Homes, we are pleased to celebrate our tenth anniversary, a decade dedicated to shaping the urban footprint of cities in Spain and Portugal. This journey has been supported by a great team and has involved collaborations with renowned architecture firms, designers, and artists.
Over this time, we have established ourselves as a key player in the new-build real estate market, with a strong presence in strategic areas such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, the Costa del Sol, the Portuguese Algarve, and Lisbon. We are at a point of sustainable growth, with an extensive portfolio of properties and major projects aimed at creating new neighborhoods and unique buildings that serve as a positive legacy for society.
Kronos Homes has established itself as a leading developer in the market. What makes it unique in the real estate sector?
We focus on residential projects centered around architecture, design, art, and sustainability, values that contribute to people’s quality of life. We work with internationally renowned architects, including several Pritzker Prize winners, as well as prominent local professionals, in addition to interior designers and globally recognized artists. We create new neighborhoods, enhance the urban planning of each city, and integrate our projects into the natural environment. This approach sets us apart, and we work to ensure each property is unique as well.
How many homes do you expect to deliver in 2024?
This year, we plan to deliver a total of 1,500 homes. By the end of the year, our portfolio will consist of 18,000 units, 1,500 more than in 2023. This way, we continue to strengthen our commitment to leadership in the Iberian market, prioritizing people’s quality of life.
Kronos Homes projects bear the mark of renowned architects such as Rafael de la Hoz and Joaquín Torres, among others. What role do design and architecture play in the developer’s projects?
Architecture has been part of Kronos Homes’ DNA since the company’s inception. We are committed to unique architecture, using quality materials and finishes, with a commitment to sustainability. Over the years, we have collaborated with architects such as Eduardo Souto de Moura, Ricardo Bofill, RCR Arquitectes, Morph Studio, Clavel Arquitectos, Touza, DNA Barcelona, and Adoras Atelier, in addition to the aforementioned Rafael de la Hoz and A-cero.
“We are creators of new neighborhoods: we enhance the urbanism of each city and integrate our projects into the natural environment.”
All our developments are conceived from the outset as unique and innovative projects, where architects have the freedom to create a design that beautifies cities and generates a positive impact on the urban fabric. As I previously mentioned, good architecture is that which leaves a legacy for future generations and improves people’s lives.
In addition, we bring in interior designers, landscape architects, and artists such as Teresa Sapey, Alejandra Pombo, Patricia Bustos, Beatriz Silveira, Adriana Nicolau, Luna Pavia, and Rafael Macarrón, among others. This combination of talent is reflected in creativity, attention to detail, and quality. In this way, we create unique spaces born from the convergence of architecture and art.
Alongside architectural design, sustainability is another key pillar of your projects. How are these elements integrated into your developments?
For Kronos, people come first. That is why our sustainability strategy focuses on community building, taking care of the planet while reducing CO₂ emissions, promoting sustainable housing, and encouraging the circular economy.
We believe that cities are living organisms, capable of regenerating, growing, and adapting to climatic, social, and demographic challenges. Through our projects, we aim to create the tools for a greener and more human future for urban planning.
On the more technical side, we conduct life cycle assessments (LCA) of all our developments, prioritize energy efficiency, sustainable construction, and work with the CoCircular initiative to certify the traceability of waste generated on-site. We are also part of the Advisory Board of BREEAM Spain, one of the most stringent international certifications.
Moreover, just as we integrate architecture into the environment, we also carefully consider vegetation, choosing native species, orienting projects for optimal sunlight, and conserving water while creating landscapes that respect the surrounding natural environment. In short, we want to be agents of transformation and social revitalization through sustainability.
The luxury real estate market is a niche where Kronos Homes has a strong presence. How do you view the evolution of demand for luxury housing in Spain and Portugal? Have buyer expectations changed?
The luxury market on the Iberian Peninsula remains dynamic, and at Kronos Homes, we have anticipated its evolution and buyer expectations with commitments that go beyond exceptional quality. Luxury today also encompasses social and environmental awareness, positively impacting the community. In this regard, Kronos Homes connects with those who prioritize well-being, green spaces, and environmental respect.
“Spain and Portugal offer promising prospects for the real estate market. There is a shortage of quality new housing, interest rates are decreasing, and the economy as a whole continues to grow.”
Likewise, the desire for a more personalized home has grown, so we place emphasis on design and creativity to make each residence extraordinary and give it a unique identity for its owner.
How does Kronos Homes view the future of the real estate market in Spain and Portugal? Do you believe investing in this sector remains a safe bet for domestic and international investors?
We look to the future with optimism because over these ten years, we have proven that our model works. Our new-build homes offer a different concept to the market, which has been very well received and has allowed us to grow. Our developments stand out for their architectural quality, sustainability, and technology, setting them apart from the majority of the real estate market.
In addition to these differentiating values, another key factor is the prime location of our developments. We create attractive new neighborhoods, foster urban growth, and invest in highly desirable areas, such as on the Spanish and Portuguese coasts.
Additionally, the context in Spain and Portugal offers promising prospects for the real estate market. There is a shortage of quality new housing, interest rates are falling, and the overall economy continues to grow. As such, both regions remain attractive destinations for both domestic and international investors.
From your position as a developer, what solutions could help mitigate the housing shortage?
As I mentioned, there is a housing shortage estimated by the Bank of Spain at around 600,000 units. It is essential that the industry as a whole continues to develop projects that meet this need, bringing as much supply as possible to the market. At Kronos Homes, we are constantly active, designing new projects and starting construction in areas with high demand, such as Madrid, Catalonia, and the Costa del Sol, always highlighting our value proposition based on architecture, design, art, and sustainability.
Finally, what are the upcoming projects and expansion plans for Kronos Homes? In which markets or developments are you focused for the coming years?
We continue to grow in Spain and Portugal, where we plan to launch a total of 1,600 homes over the 2025-2026 period. We have a diverse range of projects, from the development of the Vale do Lobo Golf & Beach Resort in the Algarve to building a large sustainable neighborhood in Sant Pere de Ribes, in Barcelona, and expanding our offerings in Madrid and the province of Malaga. In any case, we remain true to our purpose of contributing to society through architecture and the creation of urban spaces that prioritize people’s quality of life.