Environment, architecture, technology, and community form the foundations of 5Square, a social housing complex in Milan, Via Antegnati. Here, five long-abandoned buildings have been revitalised to create homes, public spaces, and green areas.
Redo Sgr manages the project, which is funded by the Lombardy Real Estate Fund for social housing. The fund's investors include CDP Real Asset Sgr, Lombardy Region, the Cariplo Foundation, and companies from the banking and insurance sectors.
The 460 homes constructed – 300 for rent and 160 for sale at affordable prices – are part of a setting enhanced by various amenities. These include multipurpose rooms, a gym, family counselling, a health clinic, and ground floor businesses like shops, bars, and refreshment spots. Outside, there are squares with gardens, children's play areas and shared vegetable patches.
The building of 5Square used existing concrete structures in the area, transforming a run-down urban space.
The project also gains considerable social and environmental worth from Circular Housing. This innovative service allows residents to rent furniture and appliances rather than buying them in the usual manner.
CDP Group launched the National Social Housing Fund (Fondo Nazionale Abitare Sociale) last year, with a view to further strengthening this commitment. The new fund broadens the scope to cover all three 'S's of social housing – social, senior and student housing – through impactful urban regeneration projects, aligning with the 2021-2024 Strategic Plan.