CHALLENGE: Design a home capable of maintaining an adequate temperature inside, using and integrating itself with the conditions of its environment to reduce energy consumption.
SOLUTION: Application of sustainable design strategies at low cost that allow access and regulation of natural light and ventilation inside
Mica is a house located in the Colombian Atlantic area that is projected as an energy efficient house. Due to the characteristics of its surroundings, the design program seeks to overcome the challenge posed by the climatic conditions of the area, its high temperatures and degrees of humidity.
The architectural solution at a formal and functional level is approached from the principles of sustainability, taking advantage of the wind direction to generate cross ventilation inside and regulating the solar incidence to ensure thermal comfort in the space. Volumetrically, it is constituted by a prism that opens to the south in terraces with large eaves to always keep the interior spaces in shade, and that on its north side projects a system of sunshades that guarantee the entry of cold air currents into the interior. generating a constant renewal of air and thus minimizing the excessive use of air conditioning devices.
Its location on the ground responds to the study of shadows and sunlight in the Atlantic area, which is characterized by high temperatures and degrees of humidity. To respond to these characteristics, the south façade creates open terraces that, thanks to their large eaves, keep the interior spaces on both levels in shadow.
In contrast, on the north façade a system of sunshades is designed in the direction of the winds that allow cold air currents to enter the interior. To improve ventilation within the space, a natural ventilation system known as Solar Chimney is developed with a glass skylight in the core of the stairs that allows the renewal of air and avoids the excessive use of air conditioning equipment.
