Bioclimatic architecture: a matter of good building practices

Bioclimatic architecture aims to achieve high energy efficiency and optimal indoor environment quality of buildings through the use of passive solutions. Do you know them? Below, we show you the passive systems for capturing and accumulating energy to make your building sustainable, efficient, healthy, and comfortable.

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Bioclimatic architecture, what does it consist of?

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Bioclimatic architecture conceives the design process of buildings considering the climatic conditions of their location, so that available resources (solar energy, local vegetation, rainwater, energy that can be provided by winds, etc.) are utilized to reduce the environmental impact that the construction of the building may cause, aiming to decrease energy consumption, both during the construction phase and throughout its useful life. In addition to a positive impact on the environment, bioclimatic architecture affects the healthiness of buildings, which enjoy better thermal comfort, better control of CO₂ levels in indoor spaces, more and better quality lighting, and non-toxic building materials.

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Conservation and capture: the 2 keys to bioclimatic architecture to achieve high energy efficiency

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If our building does not have the capacity to conserve energy, it will be of little use to employ means of generation or energy capture. To avoid wasting generated energy, and in order to achieve thermal balance, we must keep in mind that the more we conserve it, the less need we will have to generate new energy. For this, we must ensure that our building meets the following guidelines:

Thermal insulation

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The enclosures must have thermal insulation, as it reduces heat transfer by 75% through them. While it is true that they are already used in building construction, it is necessary to advance in better selection of materials, their thicknesses, and especially their placement. Currently, there are different types of insulating materials on the market according to their placement on the element (to insulate on the outer surface of the enclosure, to be injected into the interior of air chambers in facades, to be sprayed onto horizontal surfaces and to be shaped in such a way that they can cover horizontal areas). Given the versatility in the placement of this element, there should be no area of the exterior element without appropriate thermal insulation.

Thermal bridges

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Thermal bridges should be eliminated, as they are areas through which heat energy is transferred more easily (losses).

Interstitial condensations

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The risks of interstitial condensations between construction elements should be eliminated, as these indicate a clear loss of the insulating capacity of the materials where these condensations occur (usually, insulating materials). To avoid the risk of interstitial condensations, it is advisable to use balanced insulating materials (extruded polystyrene or cellular glass) placed near the cold surface of the element or to add a vapor barrier.

Hygienic ventilation

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The building must have a controlled hygienic ventilation (so that exchanges occur according to needs), essential to maintain adequate indoor environmental conditions . For this, we will ensure that the ventilation system of our building can be regulated and that the stale air generated inside the premises due to the usual use of the building is expelled through the extraction points located in the humid rooms.

Glazing and carpentry

rnSpecial attention should be given to the glazing and carpentry of our building. Glazed openings are the weakest elements thermally speaking. There are different types of glass on the market, depending on the need. Thus, we find insulating and low-emissivity glass, glass with reflective or colored panes, to protect the building from high radiation. Regarding the carpentry, those that guarantee insulation (PVC, aluminum with thermal bridge break, wood or polyurethane) and with a high airtightness degree should be selected.rn