At Aiguasol, we firmly believe that sustainability and energy efficiency are fully compatible with construction.

Recently, we collaborated on the rehabilitation project of La Casa del Sucre, commissioned by Coll-Leclerc Arquitectura and Son Estudi. This historic building, part of the local heritage, has been the perfect setting to demonstrate that bioclimatic architecture can merge with history, creating spaces that respect the past while looking decisively toward the future.

The challenge of turning La Casa del Sucre into an NZEB

The goal of the project was clear: to transform La Casa del Sucre into a nearly zero-energy building (NZEB). These types of buildings are increasingly required in Europe, particularly under the new European Energy Efficiency Directive, which mandates that all new constructions or deep renovations meet strict energy consumption and emissions standards.

At Aiguasol, we took on the challenge of minimizing the building’s energy demand and implementing strategies to create an energy-neutral—or even positive—space. But this goes beyond just reducing consumption; it also involves generating part of the required energy, turning the building into a source of renewable energy.

Aiguasol at the service of sustainability

At the cooperative, we undertook a series of key tasks that provided a deep understanding of the thermal and energy performance of the Casa del Azúcar. Using advanced dynamic simulation tools such as Design Builder, we carried out a passive analysis of the building by modeling its thermal behavior to assess energy demands and determine the required capacity to maintain indoor thermal comfort. This analysis allowed us to identify the most effective passive strategies for reducing energy consumption. The resulting reference model has been an essential tool in planning a building that maximizes comfort while minimizing energy use. 

Passive strategies and an efficient bioclimatic design

The energy strategy for La Casa del Sucre is based on maximizing passive systems, such as cross ventilation, natural light utilization, or solar shading.

For instance, larger rooms, which traditionally face cooling challenges, take advantage of cross-ventilation to maintain a comfortable temperature during summer. Additionally, opening windows at night can lower indoor temperatures by up to five degrees, leveraging the cooling effect of nighttime air.

A model of sustainable and socially responsible construction

The rehabilitation of La Casa del Sucre is a testament to commitment to the city, society, and technology. This building is more than just an example of sustainable construction—it also aims to be open to the public to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability in architecture.

This project serves as a clear example of how cutting-edge sustainable building techniques can be seamlessly integrated with heritage preservation, combining respect for the past with the energy needs of the future.

At Aiguasol, we remain committed to projects that drive energy efficiency and sustainability in construction.