NexGen Retrofit Facades leverages AI-driven design to retrofit existing buildings in Barcelona with second skin facades, drastically improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
buildings & energy systems
The building energy systems emit 771,623 tons of co2
PROBLEM
Barcelona’s residential buildings, many of which were constructed before modern energy standards, significantly contribute to the city’s high energy consumption and CO2 emissions. These outdated buildings suffer from thermal bridging, poor insulation, and inefficient energy use, resulting in high energy bills, reduced indoor air quality, and increased health risks for occupants. With upcoming regulations requiring higher energy efficiency standards, there is an urgent need to address these issues
SOLUTION
NexGen Retrofit Facades leverages advanced environmental simulation and AI-driven design to retrofit Barcelona’s aging residential buildings. By optimizing a second skin facade design, our solution minimizes solar radiation exposure, thereby reducing thermal bridging and enhancing insulation. This targeted approach improves the overall environmental performance of buildings, significantly increasing energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. Our innovative facade system not only meets future energy regulations but also transforms outdated structures into sustainable, energy-efficient homes.
Map buildings built before first energy standards.
The first step in our methodology involves mapping buildings constructed before 1980 in Barcelona, focusing on areas with the highest concentrations of these older structures. Utilizing data from the Office of Housing and Building (OHB), we identify key districts such as Sant Martí and Sant Adrià del Besòs, where 95.1% and 94.2% of buildings, respectively, were built prior to 1980. This high percentage highlights the urgency for retrofitting solutions in these neighborhoods. By targeting these areas, we can prioritize interventions where they are most needed, ensuring our efforts have the greatest impact on improving energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions across the city.
Found examples of the challenges and opportunities inherent in retrofitting aging urban residences. predating the mark of construction after 1980. It underscores the relevance of an architectural interventions by reusing and improving existing infrastructures and highlight the opportunity of extending their lifespan.
Extract building characteristics, commonalities and material information
