Bioclimatic architecture and energy efficiency

Loreto Spá Arquitectos holds a master’s degree in Bioclimatic and Sustainable Architecture from the School of Architecture of the Polytechnic University of Madrid, in order to contribute our knowledge to the projects we design.

The optimization of natural resources is one of the bases of sustainable architecture and bioclimatic architecture is to design buildings taking into account the climatic conditions of its location, and taking advantage of available resources (sun, vegetation, rain, winds). All this, to reduce the environmental impact, and trying to reduce energy consumption.

Adaptation to the environment

Projects that follow bioclimatic criteria are integrated into the place where they are located, adapting physically and climatically to their surroundings. The materials used, the colors and the constructive solutions are evaluated from a perspective of energy saving, but also of adaptation to the environment. And all this without forgetting the aesthetic level.

Bioclimatic architecture is not simply a type of architecture. It is a philosophy. It is a continuous and cyclical process, which begins with the initial idea of the project, passing through its physical realization during construction and ends when its useful life is over, to start all over again.

Therefore, there is no prototype for a bioclimatic house or dwelling. It depends on factors that vary greatly, such as geographical conditions, construction solutions and materials.

Basic principles

When designing a bioclimatic building there are a series of aspects that are applicable to all cases:

• Proper ventilation is essential to improve the conservation of temperatures in winter and summer.
• Good insulation will help to achieve maximum efficiency in temperature maintenance.
• The orientation of the building is key to optimizing daylight hours. Thus, the aim is to make the most of the sun in winter, although the benefits will depend on the type of climate.
• The use of natural materials that are close to the location of our building is another way to take advantage of resources and reduce the environmental footprint.
• It is advisable, as far as possible, to recycle and reuse the waste generated.
• The use of renewable energies, since they take advantage of natural resources to supply energy. Solar energy (both thermal and photovoltaic) can be used to heat the house directly or through solar panels or solar roofs. However, it is advisable to look for the ideal combination depending on each case. There are many options: wind power, geothermal energy, aerothermal energy, etc.
• Adaptation to the environment, also in its physical form, is another aspect to be taken into account. The aim is to ensure that its shape is suitable for maximizing energy efficiency and self-sufficiency.

 

Energy efficiency

Bioclimatic architecture, therefore, is to design houses according to orientations, materials or window openings, among other elements. The objective? To achieve maximum energy efficiency.

It is one more form of sustainable architecture. An architecture that coexists with the environment, both physically and climatologically, and adapts to it. It goes beyond the design of the building, with the location being a key aspect. Not only does it take advantage of natural resources, but its design depends on them to achieve thermal comfort.

Bioclimatic architecture and energy efficiency

• Bioclimatic architecture in sustainable environments.
• Bioclimatic design.
• Bioclimatic houses and dwellings