The Casa Serrano project, crafted by architect Luis de Garrido for Agustín Serrano, stands as an intriguing example of bioclimatic design in residential architecture. Built in Bétera, Valencia, this 357.45-square-meter home navigates complex environmental challenges with a unique approach. Casa Serrano takes advantage of its limited, elongated plot by integrating innovative air-flow strategies and sustainable materials, creating a high-efficiency residence suited to both summer heat and winter chill.
Underground Courtyard: The Heart of Fresh Air Circulation
One of the standout features of Casa Serrano is its innovative underground courtyard, a design that fosters natural cooling throughout the home. By extending a central courtyard down to the basement, this “subterranean patio” facilitates the movement of fresh air. This architectural choice isn’t just aesthetic; it is strategic. The cool air generated in the basement level circulates effectively across all floors, creating a more comfortable indoor climate. This passive cooling solution minimizes the need for artificial air conditioning, making the house more energy-efficient while maintaining pleasant temperatures during the warm months.
Bioclimatic Efficiency in a Challenging Plot
Casa Serrano’s site presented specific challenges: a narrow, east-west-oriented plot, generally unsuitable for ideal solar gains. Garrido’s design addressed these limitations by incorporating a tripartite layout known for stabilizing temperatures, leveraging thermal mass, and maximizing sunlight. This bioclimatic strategy results in a residence that maintains balance across seasons, with limited reliance on mechanical heating and cooling. Notably, the high thermal efficiency of the home means it only consumes around 40% of the energy required by a typical home of similar size. With Valencia’s climate in mind, the house leverages every design element to enhance natural temperature regulation.
Sustainability Beyond Structure: Recycled Materials and Smart Systems
Sustainability at Casa Serrano goes beyond structural design, extending to the materials used. The exterior cladding comprises panels made from recycled household plastic and wood fibers, a choice that underscores Garrido’s commitment to eco-friendly construction. Additionally, the home features an advanced dehumidification system that uses salts within wind catchers. This system removes humidity from incoming air, enabling the use of water vapor as an additional cooling element without excess moisture indoors. The thoughtful blend of recycled materials and smart systems results in a home that balances aesthetics with environmental responsibility.
Solar-Powered Comfort: Efficient Heating with Minimal Energy Use
Heating Casa Serrano is equally sustainable, achieved through a high-efficiency, solar-powered floor heating system. Only six solar collectors are needed to meet the home’s heating and hot water demands, thanks to the building’s bioclimatic efficiency. This system underscores the project’s energy-conscious philosophy, showing that even a moderate solar setup can suffice when efficiency is prioritized. Garrido’s approach ensures that this minimalist, solar-centric solution meets the home’s needs without significant environmental impact, underscoring the role of intelligent design in energy savings.
Casa Serrano: A Forward-Looking Example of Bioclimatic Living
Casa Serrano embodies a thoughtful approach to modern bioclimatic architecture, merging functionality with eco-conscious innovations. By designing a home that cools itself naturally, uses sustainable materials, and operates on minimal energy, Luis de Garrido sets a precedent for what bioclimatic design can achieve. This residence demonstrates that thoughtful architectural solutions can create comfortable, efficient living spaces even on challenging plots. As a model of bioclimatic principles, Casa Serrano encourages the architecture field to look beyond conventional solutions toward a more sustainable future in residential design.
