JEAN PIAGET REHABILITATION

The building will be able to produce more energy than consumed. Winner of a Next Generation Fund (PIREP) of 1,3M €, 5th best public facility in Spain in terms of sustainability and circular design in 2022.

The refurbishment located in Plaça Jean Piaget in Sabadell will house the public equipment of the Office of Entities and Volunteering.

The project has been conceived from a rigorous process of citizen participation, in which politicians, urban planning technicians, municipal works and maintenance, local entities and citizens have participated in the design decisions proposed by ROA.

This public facility will be the first in the municipality that will meet the criteria of a building with almost zero energy consumption. This reflects a clear desire for improvement in terms of sustainability, circularity and net positive impact.

Energy savings are achieved by incorporating advanced sustainability systems that guarantee the comfort of users through low energy demand and the incorporation of high-efficiency energy production equipment. This is the case of the hybrid air conditioning system that combines geothermal and aerothermal energy to heat the building in winter and cool it in summer. A special focus has also been placed on the use of natural light, the use of plant walls, the reinterpretation of the workplace and the creation of a main atrium. With the help of a system of Canadian wells and solar chimneys, this atrium passively heats the common spaces, creating a sustainable, biophilic and healthy environment for users.

According to Roger Orriols, the architect responsible for the project: “The nZEB criteria in this building represents a 66% energy saving compared to a conventional building. Later phases will allow the building to produce more energy than it consumes, which can be used to supply other public facilities and/or urban spaces connected to the network.”

During the refurbishment process,  the reuse, recycling and redesign of pre-existing materials which are in good condition is planned. This will  will save 96 tonnes of CO₂, equivalent to the emissions of 62 diesel cars for a year.

Although the project represents an increase of 9.5% in the initial investment cost compared to a conventional building, it is presented as a new investment opportunity, with an Internal Rate of Return of 10.5% and an estimated economic saving of 1.1 million euros over its useful life.