When architect and content creator Andrés Degar posted a TikTok comparing Spanish and American homes, he made his point directly: “Spanish houses are built to last generations.” Infobae highlighted the video, which quickly drew attention to the materials and methods that shape housing on both sides of the Atlantic.
Degar points to concrete and brick as the backbone of Spanish construction, arguing that these mineral-based materials convey permanence and ability to recover. He says the structures feel solid and respond more slowly to external heat because of their thermal inertia. That property, he explains, helps buffer rapid temperature swings, a valued feature in Spain’s varied climate.
Material Choices and Longevity
Spanish residential buildings commonly use concrete and brick, while stone is also found in the country’s urban architecture. Stucco and tile are common, too, shaping both appearance and lifespan. Degar links these choices to lower maintenance needs and easier renovation. Official guidelines, but, make clear that durability depends on more than heavy walls. Project design and construction quality matter, while moisture exposure and ongoing upkeep also affect the result. Spain’s building code, for example, requires measures to prevent condensation and protect thermal performance. Strong materials alone are not enough.
Thermal Inertia: Benefit with Limits
Degar also points to the thermal inertia of Spanish homes, where concrete and brick absorb and release heat slowly. This may keep homes comfortable during hot spells, but Spain’s technical code makes clear that energy efficiency depends on more than thermal mass. Insulation and solar protection affect performance, as do airtightness and window quality. Thermal bridges matter as well. Two brick houses can have very different energy profiles depending on these details. Recent EU regulations are pushing Spanish housing toward stricter energy standards, making holistic design increasingly impressive.
Wood Dominates New US Homes
By contrast, wood framing is used in most new single-family homes in the United States. The US Census Bureau reports that 96% of owner-built homes completed in 2025 used wood, while only 2% relied on concrete. That does not make wood inherently less efficient: US Department of Energy guidelines show that wood-framed homes can perform well in diverse climates with proper insulation and air sealing. 3D-printed concrete homes are also emerging, but wood remains the norm across much of the American market.
Pests, Layouts, and Climate
Degar argues that avoiding wood as a basic structural material helps Spanish homes sidestep certain pests, especially termites. The US Environmental Protection Agency notes, but, that concrete foundations and proper drainage can help manage the risks. Regular inspections also matter. Even brick or concrete homes are not immune to pests, since wood is often used in roofs and windows, or found in furniture.
Beyond materials, Degar observes that Spanish homes often feature patios. Terraces and balconies are common, too, connecting homes with outdoor spaces. American homes, by contrast, tend to favor open-plan interiors, often with large living rooms and integrated kitchens. Garages and basements are common as well. The median size of a new US single-family home in 2025 was about 199 square meters, reflecting different priorities in space and layout. Climate and plot size shape what suits each country, while family habits and regulations also matter. So does budget.
Degar’s comparison points to differences in construction culture, while official data and building codes show that no single system is universally superior. The best results come from matching materials and methods to local needs and climate, then maintaining them over the long term. As energy standards evolve and new technologies emerge, debate over what makes a home truly durable is likely to continue.
