Holcim - Instalaciones

Summary

In a tour of the HSiM building in San Rafael de Alajuela, Marisol interviews Marketing Manager Manuel Salas about the sustainable architecture designed by architect Bruno Estaño. The building features natural ventilation, sunshades, humidity control systems, and no air conditioning, reducing maintenance costs and energy consumption. It embodies the principles of bioclimatic architecture, promoting active participation from its occupants. The discussion highlights Holsing's commitment to sustainable construction, including the Holsing Prize for Sustainable Construction, which encourages innovation in the field with a substantial prize fund.

Takeaways

• 🏢 The building in question is designed with impressive architecture and incorporates sustainable construction concepts.
• ☀️ It does not use air conditioning but instead relies on sunshades and canopies for protection from the sun, along with natural ventilation systems.
• 🌡️ The building has systems for controlling humidity, which is crucial in the dry climate of San Rafael de Alajuela.
• 💨 The building's layout, with four modules over two floors, facilitates natural cooling and air circulation.
• 🌳 The materials used are natural, reducing maintenance costs and allowing the building to age naturally.
• 💡 The design includes many windows to save on electricity for lighting and to enhance ventilation.
• 💰 It is estimated that the building costs three times less to maintain annually compared to a conventional building.
• 🌿 The concept of bioclimatic architecture is highlighted, emphasizing the use of wind, light, and natural elements for temperature regulation.
• 👷‍♂️ The building requires active participation from its occupants, such as opening windows, as opposed to passive buildings that consume energy for climate control.
• 🏗️ The script discusses the broader concept of sustainable construction, which balances economic, social, and environmental development.
• 🏆 The company Holsing supports sustainable construction through initiatives like the Holsing Prize for Sustainable Construction, which promotes innovation and new ideas in the field.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the visit to the HSiM building in San Rafael de Alajuela?

The purpose of the visit is to take a tour of the HSiM building and learn about its sustainable architecture and special features from its Marketing Manager, Mr. Manuel Salas.

Who is the architect of the HSiM building and what is unique about its design?

The building was designed by the architect Bruno Estaño. It is unique because it incorporates sustainable construction concepts, such as natural cooling systems and humidity control, without the use of air conditioning.

How does the building achieve natural cooling without air conditioning?

The building uses parasol systems and canopies to protect from the sun, the arrangement of modules allows for air circulation, and it has systems that cool the walls, contributing to the overall natural cooling effect.

What is special about the building's location in the central industrial area of Holing?

The building is situated on a hillock in the central industrial area of Holing, which allows it to be constantly refreshed by breezes from all directions, contributing to its sustainable design.

How does the building manage humidity in the dry months?

The building has humidity control systems and uses sprinklers in a central patio or core during very dry months to maintain optimal humidity levels.

What are the benefits of using natural materials in the building's structure?

Using natural materials reduces maintenance costs and allows the building to age naturally, which is part of the sustainable concept of the construction.

How does the building save on electricity and ventilation?

The building has many windows that allow for natural light and ventilation, reducing the need for electric lighting and air conditioning systems.

What is the estimated cost difference between this sustainable building and a conventional one?

It is estimated that this type of building costs three times less to maintain annually compared to a conventional building, due to its sustainable features and reduced energy consumption.

What is the concept of bioclimatic architecture mentioned in the script?

Bioclimatic architecture is a design approach that takes advantage of natural elements like wind and light to regulate the building's internal environment, promoting active participation from its occupants in managing the building's systems.

What is the Holsing Prize for Sustainable Construction and its significance?

The Holsing Prize for Sustainable Construction is an international competition held every three years with a prize pool of over 2 million dollars. It aims to promote innovation in sustainable construction and reward ideas that contribute to sustainable development.

How does the company Holsing support sustainable construction beyond the Holsing Prize?

Holsing supports sustainable construction by having a research and development department that continuously studies new products, applications, and ways to improve the country's construction systems, focusing on resource efficiency and technological advancements.