Bioclimatic design
The main architectural characteristics of the “El Llimonet” project in Vilanova i la Geltrú are related to the application of bioclimatic elements during the design stages of the project. Bioclimatic and low energy design has made it possible to minimise the building’s heating and cooling requirements. The energy demand of the building is 25% lower than a conventional residential construction – energy demands are now 33 kWh/m² year for heating and 27 kWh/m² year for cooling.

The optimisation of the building response considering comfort criteria, hygiene and a rational use of the energy, is unavoidably related to the general integration of component systems and installations of the building. The main factors considered during the project design are:

1. The main characteristic is the maximisation of the solar incidence during winter periods, minimisation of solar incidence during summer periods, and avoidance of the overheating of the building, which is a very important point to be taken into account in Mediterranean climates. 
2. North/south orientation of the building facades, which again is related to optimum thermal performance. The orientation of the building controls solar gains, as well as solar protection in order to reach a satisfactory comfort level. 
3. Ventilation channels through the building: The arrangement of the dwellings enables the building to function as a natural ventilation corridor.
4. The building openings were designed to interact as an optimum thermal factor that offset temperature fluctuations.
5. The use of balconies is another element, which facilitate an optimum control over the building’s thermal performance, which implies the blockage of the sun’s incidence during summer periods.
6. Lastly there is the improvement of natural illumination by structuring windows in a way that maximises solar light collection

Bioclimatic design also involves the use of environmentally friendly construction materials, such as Eco-brick high-insulation materials, domestic water saving appliances, ecological paint, and electrical installations without PVC. The use of Low-K bricks for the building exteriors reduces heat losses through materials. Low-K bricks are thermal isolating bricks used to reduce heat flow from hot to cold areas of the building. The thermal isolation is achieved including air cells inside the material as well as macropores inside the brick mass. Moreover the bricks have additional attributes such as substantial mechanical resistance (over 100 kg/ cm² of compression), fire resistance, water impermeability, and acoustic isolation.

General information on the technologies:
Non-emission materials
Passive solar design

Suppliers of technology:
Most of the suppliers are local enterprises with domestic markets, which is typical for this type of low-tech solution.

PVC-free wiring:
GUERIN www.guerin.es
Guerin is a Spanish company that manufactures wiring systems, cables, and other electrical utilities.
Address: Ronda Sant Pere, 52 - 7a planta, E-08010 Barcelona
Phone: +34 93 2682912 Fax: +34 93 2684046
e-mail: guerin.informatica@sonepardis.es

Low-k bricks:
Manufacture:
Consorcio Termoarcilla
C/ San Bernardo 22, 1ª, E-28015 Madrid

Supplier:
Ceràmiques Llinars S.A.
Carretera Sant Celoni s/n
E-08450 Llinars del Vallès