# Dezeen Awards-Shortlisted Housing Project Damaged in Fire A major fire has impacted the uninhabited La Querola residential development in Andorra. - **Source:** [Architecture news and projects | Dezeen](https://brifing.si/source/50c21201-9cc6-48e0-8a7c-6ea605af10c3) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/32f11729-c2d5-4649-809d-dbf8dc2e18c6 ## Fire Damages Residential Project A significant fire has damaged the La Querola housing development located in the Ordino valley of Andorra. The incident affected all seven buildings within the complex, which covers approximately 10,000 square metres of residential space. Local authorities were alerted to the blaze at 01:45 on 22 September, but the specific cause remains unknown. ## Architectural Design and Recognition The project was designed by French studio Ateliers Jean Nouvel in collaboration with Spanish firm Ribas Ribas Arquitectos. The development is currently shortlisted in the housing category of the Dezeen Awards and recently secured the public vote award. Its design features an angular exterior intended to mimic the appearance of stratified, eroded mountain rock. ## Status of the Development Although the construction of La Querola was completed in October 2025, the development remained entirely uninhabited at the time of the fire. Because no residents were occupying the units, there were no reported casualties. Officials have not yet released an official estimate regarding the financial cost of the damage or the structural impact. ## Geological Integration and Materials The architects designed the seven irregularly shaped blocks to embed seamlessly into the sloping valley landscape. The facades are clad in locally sourced slate, creating a dialogue with the protected mountain environment. The design avoids generic forms, opting instead for a fragmented mass that reads as a natural extension of the surrounding geological features. ## Innovative Interior Spatial Concepts The interior spaces were designed with deep incisions rather than conventional windows, creating habitable cavities within the building's thick envelope. These spaces house domestic fixtures like fireplaces and bathtubs, allowing the surrounding geography to penetrate the interior. Wood lining was utilized throughout the duplex and triplex apartments to provide a sense of warmth. ## Uncertainty Regarding Future Reconstruction As of now, no timeline for reconstruction has been announced by the developers or local authorities. The local newspaper La Veu Lliure reported that the investigation into the fire's origin is ongoing. Stakeholders are currently awaiting further assessments to determine if the structural integrity of the slate-clad buildings can be effectively restored. ## Context of Dezeen Awards The Dezeen Awards highlight global architectural excellence, with this year's shortlist featuring diverse projects ranging from off-grid homes in Japan to renovated structures using clay and metal powders. La Querola stands out in this competition for its unique approach to integrating high-density residential volume into a sensitive, protected natural mountain territory. ## Broader Impact on Development The damage to La Querola represents a setback for a project that had already garnered significant industry recognition. While the physical damage is extensive, the lack of occupancy mitigates the immediate humanitarian crisis. The industry will likely monitor the situation to see how the architects address the restoration of such a complex design. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/11/10/la-querola-andorra-jean-nouvel-ribas-ribas-arquitectos-fire/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._