The expansion of the Maestro Padilla Municipal Auditorium in Almería, developed in collaboration with Ábalosllopis Arquitectura and commissioned by the Almería City Council, represents a decisive step toward more sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient cultural architecture. With a total built area of 3,663.51 m² —including 3,026.25 m² of new construction and 637.26 m² of renovation of the existing building— the project not only enhances the capacity and functionality of the facility but also transforms it into a high-performance energy building.

At Aiguasol, we led the integrated design of the building systems with a clear objective: minimize energy consumption, maximize renewable energy utilization, and ensure indoor comfort and environmental quality.

Engineering in Service of Decarbonization

Our role as a strategic project partner encompassed the entire spectrum from energy analysis and optimization to the full development of the executive design of the building systems, including:

• Energy optimization and alternatives analysis for HVAC and ventilation systems.
• Energy certification of the building.
• Executive design of HVAC, ventilation, photovoltaic energy, electrical, plumbing and sanitation, fire protection, and voice/data systems.
• Feasibility study for a stormwater harvesting irrigation system for the Palmeral area.
• Executive design for plumbing, irrigation, sanitation, electricity, gas, and telecommunications for the Urbanization and associated Palmeral.

A High-Performance, Renewable-Based Climate System

A cornerstone of the project was the design of an advanced HVAC system based on renewable energy sources and high-efficiency technologies.

Advanced Energy Simulation

Thermal requirements were calculated using DesignBuilder software, supported by the dynamic calculation engine EnergyPlus, with hourly simulations over a representative climatic year for Almería (Meteonorm 7). This approach enabled precise sizing of the systems and avoided unnecessary oversizing.

Hybrid Thermal Production System

The building integrates:

• Geothermal energy as the high-efficiency baseline system.
• Aerothermal energy to cover peak loads during high occupancy periods and extreme climatic conditions, particularly in summer.

This hybrid strategy optimizes overall system performance and significantly reduces CO₂ emissions.

High-Efficiency Air Handling Units (AHUs)

Five AHUs were designed with:

• Four-pipe system (simultaneous heating and cooling)
• Energy recovery from exhaust air
• Free-cooling when external conditions permit

This ensures stable thermal comfort year-round (26 °C in summer, 21 °C in winter) while minimizing energy consumption.
For classrooms and rehearsal rooms, a hybrid solution combining primary-air AHUs with four-pipe fan coils per room was implemented, enabling precise, zoned climate control.

Domestic Hot Water (DHW) via Aerothermal Systems

Instead of a centralized system with extensive distribution networks, autonomous DHW storage units with integrated aerothermal heat pumps were installed in dressing rooms and toilets.

Each unit includes:

• 270 liters of storage capacity
• 2.4 kW heat pump
• 1.5 kW auxiliary electric heater
• Electronic anti-corrosion anode

This solution minimizes thermal losses, enhances efficiency, and ensures a reliable and sustainable supply.

Indoor Air Quality and Occupant Health

The auditorium is equipped with a ventilation system designed in accordance with RITE (IT 1.1.4.2), ensuring adequate outdoor air supply and preventing contaminant accumulation in high-occupancy spaces such as concert halls, dressing rooms, and rehearsal rooms.

This approach contributes not only to energy savings but also to the health and well-being of performers, staff, and audiences.

Integrated Solar Energy

Given that the expansion exceeds 3,000 m², the project incorporates a photovoltaic system in compliance with the CTE:

• Total projected capacity: 100 kW
• Existing installation: 40 kW
• Additional capacity in expansion: 60.35 kW
• 142 photovoltaic modules of 425 Wp
• Location: west-facing roof (30 x 13 m)
• Tilt: 6º | Orientation: 83º

This system will allow the auditorium to generate a substantial portion of its electricity from clean, renewable sources.

Robust and Efficient Electrical Infrastructure

The expansion did not require an increase in contracted power, optimizing the use of two existing 630 kVA transformers. Electrical panels were adapted and sectorized to improve energy management and operational safety, including reinforcement of the backup generator with an additional 120 kVA module.

Energy Certification: Class A

The outcome of this comprehensive design strategy is exemplary:
👉 Energy Certification: Class A
👉 Emissions: 2.45 kg CO₂/m²·year

This positions the Maestro Padilla Auditorium among the most energy-efficient cultural buildings in Andalusia.

A Replicable Model of Sustainable Cultural Architecture

The expansion of the Maestro Padilla Auditorium is not merely an architectural enhancement but a demonstration of how engineering and architecture can collaborate to create high environmental-performance public facilities.

Through this project, Aiguasol reaffirms its commitment to decarbonizing the built environment, integrating renewable energy, and promoting occupant comfort and health. A future-ready auditorium in a city committed to sustainability.