The project Biobase(d) is a forest management center situated in the Pyrenees, a mountain range in northern Spain known for its rugged terrain and extreme climate. This challenging environment calls for careful attention to thermal efficiency, as the design must address both cold temperatures and fluctuating seasonal conditions. The aim is to create a sustainable structure that blends with the natural surroundings while ensuring comfort and energy efficiency.

Site Location

Climate Analysis

January- Evening
July-Morning
July-Evening
Sunpath-Jan 15th
Sunpath- July 15th
Psychrometric chart- Jan 15th
Psychrometric chart – July 15th

Vernacular Approach

Orris(drystone hut)
Exte-Basque House
Cattle below living areas

Climate and People

Case Studies

01. The Eden Project
The cladding panels are triple-layered ETFE pillows, providing environmental efficiency, a tight air barrier, and maximum solar gain with minimal perimeter detailing.
02. The Santerpass Hut
The hut is located in the heart of the Rosengarten Group, which since 2009 has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage of the Dolomites.
03. The Naturhaus concept
The greenhouse creates a Mediterranean climate, supports a closed-loop system for growing fruits and vegetables from wastewater
04. Fjätervålen Ski resort
The greenhouse at the ski resort features a restaurant on the ground floor and a bar with outdoor spaces on the top floor, ideal for milder temperatures.

Climatic strategies

Based on the psychrometric charts for January and July, achieving a comfortable indoor environment requires an increase in heat, particularly during winter. To address this, our design will employ a dual approach: enhancing passive heat generation and improving heat retention.

Prototype

Iteration 01