Campus of the Generalitat de Catalunya
The new administrative campus of the Generalitat de Catalunya, made with WICONA façades, is the first large-scale building in Spain to obtain the LEED Platinum and WELL certificate
Designed by architects Batlleiroig, the 40.000 m2 new administrative campus of the Generalitat de Catalunya, located in the Zone Franca of Barcelona, is a clear example of where new architectural designs are headed in terms of sustainability. Today, projects are not only applauded for their design but for their commitment to the environment. In this case, the project by architects Enric Batlle, Joan Roig and Albert Gil (Batlleiroig), which will accommodate more than 3,000 Generalitat employees, currently distributed in 17 different locations in the city, will have a reduced ecological footprint since it has obtained the LEED Platinum and WELL certifications, the most recognised international classifications in terms of energy efficiency and comfort. It has also received the WELL certification for its commitment to obtaining maximum comfort for those using the building.
Notably due to the creation of optimal work and rest areas, the health of those who use it, the collection system and reuse of grey water and rain, the sun protection on the facades to control the indoor temperature, and the optimization and use of natural ventilation inside the building. In this case, the offices have the WICLINE Ventilation Flap system from WICONA, which has discrete vertical openings, almost imperceptible from the outside, yet provide increased ventilation and improves indoor air quality.
Location: Barcelona, Spain Year: 2019 Building Type: Public buildings Customer: Generalitat de Catalunya Architect: Batlleiroig Fabricator: HBG Corp Photographer: © Antonio Navarro Wijkmark Used systems: Façades WICTEC EL evo, windows WICLINE 75 evo
WICTEC EL SG façades from WICONA to significantly improve performance of the complex
Organised in two blocks of five and six floors, divided into two buildings and joined by a base, the complex incorporates more than 14,000 square metres of an all glass appearance modular façade. Each façade element is constructed using (powder coated aluminium or anodised aluminium instead of lacquered aluminium) profiles that incorporate a patented WICONA movement absorption system. This uses marine quality EPDM gaskets that facilitate the assembly and provide improved sealing. The glass is bonded or glued using structural silicone on a certified profile in compliance with the provisions of the European standard Etag 002. The perimeter of each façade element is framed using a polyamide profile to improve the thermal performance of the building.
The viewing areas are composed of double glazed glass with an air chamber or argon and selective layers for solar control and thermal transmission in order to improve the comfort for those inside the building. The opaque areas are formed on a polyamide frame, with a vapour barrier, mineral wool insulation and finished internally with an aluminium sheet. Some blocks include a vertical partition where the WICLINE 75 Ventilation Flap window is used, formed by a frame specially designed to accommodate an external perforated sheet.
The sheet, which is only 380 mm wide, is made of a single aluminium profile with thermal break and internal fillings to meet the high acoustic requirements, perfectly combining natural design and ventilation. The maintenance walkway composed of metal grating and brackets serves as support for the double outer panel skin and is connected to the modular façade fixing brackets through the opaque areas.
