La Energy Efficiency It is one of the most important pillars in the development of the renewable energy and in the construction of sustainable housing. The most efficient houses are those that manage to satisfy the energy needs of their inhabitants using the least amount of resources possible, thus improving both sustainability and interior comfort. A very important example of efficient housing can be found in Sant Llorenç, on the island of Ibiza, where a house has been presented that meets the highest efficiency standards that exist worldwide.
Presentation of one of the most efficient houses in the world in Ibiza
On the island of Ibiza, one of the most emblematic towns in the Mediterranean, a new project has been developed single family Home considered one of the most efficient houses on the planet. This is a house that has just received the coveted Passivhaus certificate in its modality Premium, a distinction that only very few buildings in the world have achieved. This certificate guarantees that the house is not only efficient, but is also capable of generating more energy than it consumes, something crucial for its sustainability.
The house, built by the company Terravite, has a surface area of Sqm 210 and has been designed not only to meet the highest standards of efficiency, but also to offer maximum comfort to its inhabitants. The most surprising thing is that this house is completely disconnected from the electrical grid and does not even have a water well. All its energy comes from a system of 30 solar panels.
In addition, this house does not just meet efficiency criteria, but is also equipped with various environmentally responsible amenities. For example, it has a photovoltaic system a pergola dedicated to several functions: it provides shade for parking the car, allows charging an electric vehicle and collects rainwater for later use.
Technical and architectural highlights
To achieve your certification Passive House Premium, the house offers a series of advanced technical features that optimize its energy use and minimize losses. First of all, its south facing and the use of large windows ensures the passive solar gains necessary to heat the home efficiently during the winter.
Regarding thermal insulation, the house has 36 centimeters of insulation in the walls, as well as double and triple glazed windows that prevent both cold and heat from entering. This insulation is essential to maintain a stable interior temperature and reduce the need for energy for air conditioning, both in winter and summer. Added to this is the use of a recycled and pressed wood structure, which not only reduces the environmental impact of the construction, but also contributes to improving the acoustic and thermal insulation of the building.
Another interesting aspect is the use of bioclimatic architectureAs a complement to the orientation and the large windows, the house is designed to benefit from natural ventilation processes and has a pergola covered with deciduous plants, which provide shade in summer and allow the sun to pass through in winter.
Energy generation and saving systems
What really makes this house stand out is its ability to generate more energy than it consumes. Thanks to a photovoltaic system of 30 solar panels, some located on the roof and others on the pergola, the house does not need to be connected to the electricity grid. Instead of depending on external sources, it produces its own electricity and stores it in a storage system that guarantees autonomy even on cloudy days or when there is little solar radiation.
In addition to energy generation, the house implements a sophisticated controlled mechanical ventilation system, with heat recovery, which allows the extraction of stale air and the renewal of clean air in an efficient manner. This system is crucial to maintaining a healthy environment inside the home and to ensure that internal temperatures are always comfortable without consuming excessive amounts of energy.
Sustainability in housing design
Sustainability is a key element in the design of this home. From the choice of materials to the management systems, everything has been planned with the aim of minimising the environmental impact. One of the most notable elements is the rainwater collection and treatment system, which allows the house to be completely independent, even in terms of water supply.
This rainwater harvesting system includes a tank with a capacity of more than 16.000 litres, which stores the water collected during rainy periods. This water then goes through an advanced filtering and purification system using ultraviolet light treatment, to be reused both for human consumption and for watering the garden through a drip irrigation system.
The use of recycled and sustainable materials This is another important feature. The house has been built with wood from sustainably managed forests, with the PEFC certificate. In addition, bamboo has been used for the flooring, a material that grows quickly and has a low carbon footprint.
International certificates: Passivhaus and BREEAM
In addition to its classification as Passivhaus Premium, this home also aspires to obtain another of the most coveted certificates in the world of sustainable buildings: the certificate BREEAM in its Exceptional version. While Passivhaus focuses primarily on the energy efficiency and air tightness of the home, BREEAM assesses broader aspects such as water quality, waste generated, transport used, construction materials, and the health and well-being of occupants.
Obtaining the BREEAM Exceptional certification would be a further step for this house, which would place it as a global benchmark in terms of sustainability. Thus, not only how it was built will be analysed, but also its impact on the environment throughout its useful life.
This house in Ibiza represents a clear example that efficient and sustainable construction is not only possible, but it is the path that must be followed to reduce our environmental impact and achieve a balance between comfort and sustainability. With the ability to generate more energy than it consumes and a self-sufficient water management system, this house is at the forefront of energy efficiency globally.