Passive houses in the Mediterranean climate of Mallorca: how do they avoid the heat?
In the stunning landscapes of Mallorca, Spain, where the Mediterranean climate brings both the beauty of the sun and the challenges of intense heat much of the year and its potential for condensation, Llorenç Brunet Arquitectes has emerged as a pioneer in the field of passive house architecture. With years of experience and a rich portfolio that showcases their commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient design, the architects at Llorenç Brunet Arquitectes have perfected the art of creating homes that integrate seamlessly with the environment and ecosystem while providing optimal comfort and high quality materials.
Experience in Passive House Design in Mallorca:
Llorenç Brunet Arquitectes has extensive experience in the design and construction of passive houses in Mallorca, pioneering the architecture and efficiency of such properties on the island where climate plays an important role, Mallorca a region known for its warm climate and abundant sunlight. Brunet Architects have successfully designed for the challenges posed by the Mediterranean climate, creating homes that not only withstand the heat, but also harness it intelligently to improve the overall energy efficiency of the structures and have a low energy cost, the studio create residences that prioritise both functionality and sustainability.
Passive houses have emerged as a sustainable and efficient solution around the world, adapting particularly well to challenging climates such as the Mediterranean. These innovative structures are designed to minimise energy consumption and maintain a comfortable indoor environment, even in the intense heat that characterises the area.
Advanced Thermal Insulation in Passive Houses in Mediterranean Climates:
Advanced thermal insulation in passive houses in Mediterranean climates represents an amalgam of state-of-the-art technologies and materials, designed to maximise energy efficiency and provide exceptional thermal comfort. In this context, the choice of materials plays a crucial role, and various technologies are incorporated to achieve superior thermal performance.
1. High Quality Materials:
The basis of advanced thermal insulation lies in the use of high quality materials. The thermal insulators used in these structures are carefully selected to offer exceptional thermal resistance properties. Notable examples include:
Closed Cell Polyurethane Foam:
This material features a compact cellular structure that minimises heat conduction. Its low thermal conductivity makes it an efficient insulator, providing a highly effective barrier against heat transfer. In addition, its versatility allows it to be applied in a variety of areas, including walls, ceilings and floors.
Rockwool:
This environmentally friendly insulation option is manufactured from molten rock, providing a fibrous structure that reduces thermal conduction. In addition to its insulating properties, rock wool also exhibits fire resistance and is resistant to compression, contributing to the durability of the insulation system.
2. Application Strategies:
The strategic application of these materials is an essential component of passive house design. In walls, the aim is to create a seamless and continuous thermal envelope. Insulation layers are applied in combination with vapour barriers to prevent condensation. Roofs are designed with insulation systems that avoid thermal bridges and minimise heat loss. In floors, techniques are used to ensure uniformity of insulation, contributing to internal thermal stability.
3. Reduction of thermal bridges:
Condensation control is a technical challenge when working with advanced insulation. Appropriate vapour barriers and ventilation systems are implemented to prevent moisture accumulation, thus ensuring the durability of the insulation system and the structural integrity of the dwelling.
4. Continuous Performance Assessment
The application of advanced technologies does not stop at the construction phase; the performance of the thermal insulation is continuously assessed. Tools such as infrared thermography are used to identify potential areas of heat loss and ensure that the thermal envelope meets the expected efficiency standards.
Overall, the application of these technical details in the advanced thermal insulation of passive houses in Mediterranean climates reflects a holistic approach to energy efficiency and comfort, setting standards for sustainable and future-oriented construction.
5. Controlled ventilation:
Controlled ventilation is an essential component in the design of passive houses in Mediterranean climates. These advanced ventilation systems aim to achieve an optimal balance between air intake and exhaust, maintaining healthy indoor air quality and a constant temperature. Heat recovery systems are used to prevent unnecessary energy losses while ensuring a constant and regulated air flow. In addition, the implementation of sensors and automatic controls allows the ventilation to be precisely adjusted, adapting to external climatic conditions and the specific needs of the occupants.
Strategic Solar Orientation:
The orientation of Passive Houses is carefully planned to make maximum use of available sunlight, while minimising direct exposure to the sun during peak hours. Design strategies are employed to allow natural daylight into key areas of the house, optimising lighting without compromising thermal comfort. In addition, elements such as eaves and shading devices are used to control direct solar radiation, preventing overheating and contributing to efficient internal temperature management.
Efficient Use of Solar Energy:
Sustainability in passive houses is supported by the efficient integration of solar energy systems. Solar photovoltaic panels are strategically placed in areas exposed to the sun, taking advantage of solar irradiation to generate electricity in a clean and renewable way. Solar thermal panels are also incorporated to produce domestic hot water, reducing the demand for energy from conventional sources. These solar energy systems are complemented by storage devices, such as batteries, to maximise the utilisation of the energy generated and ensure a continuous supply during periods without solar irradiation.
Sustainable Building Materials:
The choice of sustainable materials in the construction of passive houses in Mediterranean climates not only focuses on ecology, but extends towards optimising the thermal properties of the house, seeking to achieve a balance between sustainability and thermal efficiency. This technical approach involves the selection of specific materials and the application of technologies that contribute to both energy autonomy and environmental well-being.
1. Specific Heat Capacity:
The specific thermal capacity of a material is its ability to store and release heat. In the context of passive houses in Mediterranean climates, materials with an adequate specific thermal capacity are prioritised. This means that these materials have the ability to absorb excess heat during the day and release it slowly at night, thus contributing to maintaining a more stable internal temperature. Materials such as clay, stone and some types of concrete offer excellent specific thermal capacities and are integrated into the design of structures.
2. Thermal Insulation Properties:
Thermal efficiency is a key consideration in the choice of sustainable materials for passive houses in Mediterranean climates. Priority is given to materials with effective thermal insulation properties, which reduce heat transfer between the inside and outside of the house. Materials such as recycled cellulose, wood fibre and cork are examples of sustainable options that offer high levels of thermal insulation. These materials are used in the construction of walls, ceilings and floors to create an efficient thermal envelope.
3. Thermal Insulation Properties:
Thermal efficiency is a key consideration in the choice of sustainable materials for passive houses in Mediterranean climates. Priority is given to materials with effective thermal insulation properties, which reduce heat transfer between the inside and outside of the house. Materials such as recycled cellulose, wood fibre and cork are examples of sustainable options that offer high levels of thermal insulation. These materials are used in the construction of walls, ceilings and floors to create an efficient thermal envelope.
4. Thermomodifiable materials:
Thermomodifiable materials are those that can alter their properties in response to thermal conditions. In the context of passive houses in Mediterranean climates, thermomodifiable materials are used to help regulate the internal temperature. For example, phase change materials (PCMs) are used in walls and roofs. These materials have the ability to store and release thermal energy during phase changes, thus keeping the internal temperature more constant.
5. Life Cycle Assessment:
In the technical approach to sustainability, a detailed life cycle assessment of the selected materials is carried out. This involves analysing not only the environmental impact during manufacture, but also the durability, recyclability and efficiency over time. Materials such as sustainably sourced wood and recycled products are a priority in this assessment process.
The integration of these technical details in the choice of sustainable building materials for passive houses in Mediterranean climates represents a holistic approach to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, leading the way towards a more balanced and sustainable habitat.
Exploring the Portfolio:
A testament to his expertise in passive house design, Llorenç Brunet Arquitectes‘ portfolio showcases a variety of projects that highlight his innovative and sustainable approach. By visiting his dedicated Passive House portfolio, you can immerse yourself in a collection of meticulously designed homes that prioritise energy efficiency without compromising style or comfort. Each project is a testament to the firm’s ability to adapt and innovate within the realm of passive architecture.
