In the heart of Barcelona, a revolution in construction is taking shape. It began with a simple yet powerful observation: the construction industry, one of humanity’s oldest and most essential sectors, was struggling to meet the challenges of our time. Housing costs were soaring, construction delays were endemic, and the industry’s environmental impact was becoming increasingly unsustainable.
This is where the story of 011H begins – not with blueprints or building materials, but with a vision of transformation. The company’s very name tells a story of bridging worlds: the “0” and “1” representing the digital realm, these numbers forming the first digits of the Fibonacci sequence found in nature’s most perfect proportions, and the “H” standing for the fundamentals of human habitat. Like Batman, as founder Lucas Carne often says, they don’t have superpowers – they have technology and determination.
In this episode of BitBuilders, Lucas Carné, co-founder of 011H and former founder of Privalia (sold for $500M), shares insights on revolutionizing construction through digital innovation and sustainability.
The construction industry faces a perfect storm of challenges when it comes to craft workers. We’re seeing fewer people attracted to construction careers, experienced workers retiring faster than they can be replaced, and new workers entering the field with less practical knowledge than their predecessors. This creates a significant skills gap that threatens productivity across the sector.
But here’s where things get interesting. Rather than viewing these challenges as insurmountable obstacles, innovative companies are seeing them as opportunities to reimagine how technology can support and empower craft workers.
The genesis of 011H came from an unexpected place. After successfully building and selling Privalia, an e-commerce company, for half a billion dollars, Carne could have easily retired to enjoy life in his 50s. Instead, he found himself drawn to construction’s fundamental challenges. The industry’s problems were visible everywhere – in the shortage of affordable housing, in the inefficiencies of traditional building methods, and in the growing urgency of climate change.
What makes 011H different is their approach as a “Neo-Builder.” Imagine a construction company that thinks like a tech startup but builds like master craftsmen. They’ve rejected the traditional adversarial bidding process that often leads to cutting corners and broken trust. Instead, they’ve embraced a collaborative model where architects, suppliers, and builders work together from day one, sharing both risks and rewards.
At the heart of their innovation is a commitment to timber construction for above-ground structures. This isn’t just about being green – though the environmental benefits are substantial. Timber components can be precision-manufactured off-site, transported easily, and assembled quickly, like a sophisticated architectural Lego set. The result? Buildings that rise from the ground up to 30% faster than traditional construction methods.
The company’s digital DNA shows in everything they do. Half of their team consists of software developers and tech specialists working alongside architects and engineers. They’ve created a digital platform that connects every aspect of the construction process, from design to final assembly. It’s like having a master conductor coordinating a complex orchestra, ensuring every player knows exactly when and how to contribute.
But perhaps most revolutionary is their vision for the future. 011H sees itself becoming the Amazon of construction – not just a builder, but a platform where developers can find architects, architects can source materials, and suppliers can connect with contractors. All of this happens under the umbrella of 011H’s quality assurance and technological infrastructure.
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Their commitment to sustainable materials and innovative methods means their initial costs run 4-5% higher than traditional construction. But they’re proving that this premium is an investment that pays for itself through faster completion times, better quality, and improved environmental performance. For rental developments, their approach can improve returns by four percentage points – a significant advantage in the real estate world.
Starting in Spain’s residential market, 011H is already looking toward expansion into France and beyond. They’re targeting urban and pre-urban areas where the need for efficient, sustainable construction is most acute. Their projects aren’t just buildings; they’re proving grounds for a new way of thinking about construction.
The company’s approach to growth is methodical and focused. Rather than trying to revolutionize everything at once, they’re proving their concept one successful project at a time. They started with a modest 650-square-meter building in 2021, gradually taking on larger projects as they refined their methods. Now, they’re handling multiple major developments simultaneously.
What makes the 011H story particularly compelling is how it represents a bridge between two worlds – the traditional, physical craft of construction and the digital revolution that’s transforming every industry. They’re showing that you don’t have to choose between efficiency and quality, between sustainability and profitability, or between innovation and reliability.
Looking ahead, 011H envisions a future where construction is not just about putting up buildings, but about creating a more sustainable, efficient, and collaborative industry. They’re working toward a world where digital tools democratize design, where sustainable materials are the norm rather than the exception, and where the barriers between different parts of the construction process dissolve into seamless collaboration.
The story of 011H is still being written, but its mission is clear: to transform one of the world’s most essential industries for a more sustainable future. In doing so, they’re not just building buildings – they’re building a new way forward for construction itself.
