Aiguasol has been a key player in the expansion of the Santa Coloma School of Restoration (ERESC), collaborating with the architectural firms Coll-Leclerc and Bailo Rull + ADD Arquitectura. As consultants specializing in sustainability and energy efficiency, we have led the sustainability and environmental impact aspects of this important initiative. The project design has focused not only on expanding spaces but also on establishing ERESC as a benchmark in high-quality and sustainable education.

A flagship project in training and sustainability

The project includes the expansion of 3,000 square meters of facilities, featuring a new three-story building that will seamlessly integrate with the Noucentista-style constructions of the Torribera complex. This new space will house a training restaurant, a bakery and pastry workshop, a larger-capacity showcooking room, and a production workshop for food industry training programs. The expansion is expected to accommodate 200 additional students, reinforcing ERESC’s role as a leading institution in hospitality and culinary education.

Beyond the physical expansion, the new facilities will allow all hospitality training activities to be concentrated within the Torribera complex, fostering synergies with the Food Campus and contributing to a more comprehensive and sustainable training experience for future professionals in the sector.

Aiguasol: expertise and commitment to sustainability

Our contribution to this project has been focused on ensuring maximum energy efficiency and sustainability of the building, addressing key aspects such as:

• Bioclimatic optimization of the building: We have implemented passive strategies to reduce thermal demand and improve indoor environmental comfort. These include natural night ventilation to dissipate excess heat through the central area, exterior solar protection adapted to each orientation, optimization of the solar factor of windows based on their orientation, and improvements in the thermal transmittance of the building envelope.
• Thermal and lighting comfort: We have designed strategies to ensure efficient natural lighting and optimal thermal balance inside the building. This includes skylights to illuminate the central area, strategically placed windows to maximize natural light in deeper spaces, as well as natural ventilation and the use of earth tubes (Canadian wells) to regulate the temperature in the central courtyard. Additionally, we have developed efficient solar shading systems to prevent the accumulation of radiant heat that could cause discomfort.
• Energy balance and certification: We have assessed and designed the building to meet the highest sustainability standards, with the goal of achieving LEED certification. Energy simulations have also been conducted to ensure compliance with the necessary energy efficiency credits.

This comprehensive strategy aims not only to improve the building’s energy efficiency but also to provide a comfortable and healthy environment for its users while adhering to the most stringent sustainability criteria.

A building aligned with sustainable energy standards

The new building will feature a green roof and the use of geothermal energy for its operation, complemented by photovoltaic energy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

Founded in 1991, the Santa Coloma School of Restoration has trained over 2,000 students and maintains a 75% employment rate in the hospitality sector. With this expansion, the institution will continue its mission of excellence in culinary education, fully aligned with the principles of sustainability and energy efficiency that Aiguasol promotes in all its projects.