Project
Located in Solsona, Spain, near the Centre de Ciència i Tecnologia Forestal de Catalunya. Situated at an elevation of 700 meters above sea level, the site experiences a continental hinterland climate, characterized by cold winters, hot summers, and significant temperature variations between day and night. Rainfall is moderate, with drier summers and wetter autumns. The region’s climate influences building design, requiring strategies for thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Given its proximity to forestry research facilities, the project aims to integrate sustainable construction methods suited to the local environment, leveraging natural resources while adapting to seasonal variations.
Climate Analysis
Psychometric Charts
With cold temperatures and significant heat loss, the primary need is maximizing internal heat gain and optimizing solar heat gain. Passive solar design, thermal mass, and high-performance insulation become essential to retain warmth and enhance energy efficiency.
Wind Analysis
Case Studies
Climate and People
People in the region seem to be able to easily enjoy the summer climate. They can wear single-layer clothing of shorter lengths without struggling with extreme summer heat or the need to escape to cooler refuges. Temperatures can also be mild enough to allow for more climate protection when exposed to the open elements.
During the winter months, people in the region adapt to the cooler climate with warm, layered clothing. They often wear jackets, sweaters, and scarves to stay comfortable while enjoying outdoor activities like hiking or exploring local parks. Many take pleasure in the crisp air and clear skies, often gathering for seasonal festivals.
Climatic Strategies
Winter Strategies
- Compact plan stretching east to west.
- Prioritizing internal heat gain.
- Low ceiling height and low-pitched roof.
- Glazed south facade and skylights on the roof to encourage passive solar heat gain with low thermal mass.
- High thermal mass flooring and interior materials.
Summer Strategies
- High thermal mass wall with night flushout strategies.
- Horizontal shading on windows on the south wall.
- Operable south glazing and thin vertical windows on the northeastern side of the building to provide cross ventilation in summer.
Strategies as per priority ranking
- East-West elongated compact plan.
- Internal Heat Gain
- Passive solar direct gain high thermal mass.
- Passive solar direct gain low thermal mass.
- Sun Shading for Windows.
- High thermal mass night flushed.
- Natural ventilation.
Climatic Prototype
Summer
- East-West elongated Plan
- Sun Shading for Windows
- High thermal mass night flushed
- Natural ventilation
Winter
- Compact Plan
- Internal Heat Gain
- Passive solar direct gain high thermal mass
- Passive solar direct gain low thermal mass
Material Strategy
CLT Factory: Climate Prototype
