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The Government of Pernambuco signed an order for the construction of sustainable housing on the most famous island in Brazil, with delivery expected in 12 months
Fernando de Noronha is known worldwide for its crystal-clear waters, dolphins, and landscapes that look like movie sets. But what few people know is that many residents of the island live in precarious housing conditions, without access to suitable homes.
This is about to change.
The government of Pernambuco signed the order for the construction of 25 sustainable popular houses on the island, with a total investment of R$ 12.9 million.
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Houses for families earning up to R$ 2,850 per month
The homes will be allocated to families with a monthly income of up to R$ 2,850, under the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program.
Each house will have 46.52 square meters, with a porch, living room, two bedrooms, kitchen, service area, and bathroom.
The units will be built in the locality of Três Paus, an area already inhabited by local residents.
Governor Raquel Lyra signed the order on April 14, 2026.
Why lightweight concrete was chosen for the island
Building in Fernando de Noronha is much more expensive and complicated than on the mainland.
All materials need to be transported by boat or plane — which increases the cost of any construction.
Therefore, the houses will be made with lightweight concrete technology, which combines cement with Styrofoam.
The blocks are lighter than conventional ones, which facilitates transportation to the island and speeds up construction on-site.
Additionally, material waste and debris generation are lower — something essential on an island that is an environmental heritage.
R$ 9.7 million comes from the government of Pernambuco
The total investment is R$ 12.9 million.
Of this amount, R$ 9.7 million is the counterpart from the government of Pernambuco, and the rest comes from the federal government through the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program.
The delivery deadline is 12 months from the start of the works.
Decent housing on the most visited island in Brazil
Fernando de Noronha receives thousands of tourists every year, but the reality of local residents does not always match the island’s international fame.
The 25 houses will not solve the entire housing demand, but they represent the first popular housing project with sustainable technology on the island.
Still, housing experts warn that the number of units is small compared to the waiting list that exists on the island, and that new projects will be necessary in the coming years.
