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According to the Spanish Bioconstruction Association (AEB), the key to bioclimatic architecture is to treat the building like a living creature that has a soul and breathes, as such the planning phase is carried out in great detail, from choosing the site (assessing the potential geological imprecisions, which will end up affecting the construction and, as such, the residents), to the materials, structures, roof, orientation, energy efficiency (Pdf) and internal equipment, since the interior atmosphere of a building can contain no end of toxic substances which affect human health. As such, one of the maxims of bioconstruction is the use of non-pollutant, biodegradable and recyclable products, the manufacturing of which requires minimal energy and environmental consumption. 

With all of these elements, designed and planned by architects specialising in bioconstruction, properties breathe, offer a healthy and comfortable environment and achieve total energy efficiency. The formula involves using large glazed areas in the walls to make the most of the sun’s light and heat; orientating the windows so that they capture as much heat as possible in the winter and reject it in the summer (for this reason, wooden shutters and linen awnings are often installed rather than air conditioning systems; making the most functional rooms south-facing; covering the structure with natural or plant-based insulating materials; opting for stone, cork, hemp, clay, natural cement, hydraulic lime, wood (both for the construction, furniture and surface materials) and ceramics (also for surfaces and pipes); removing PVC and toxic paints; and minimising the use of concrete. 

The Spanish Bioconstruction Association regularly organises conferences on bioclimatic architecture in different parts of Spain, featuring experts from different disciplines who emphasise the need to convince the government of the importance of bioconstruction, as an essential tool for sustainable building. Many participants believe that bioclimatic properties can be 15% more expensive than a standard house; according to other experts on the subject, bioclimatic houses are no more expensive than traditional buildings, but they are all agreed that this type of building is more economical in the long run due to its high energy efficiency, which reduces heating costs and does without air conditioning. 

A sustainable change in mentality

Experts emphasise that in order to tackle the current environmental challenges, a change of mentality is required, a view shared by Joanna Francis, the manager of the Hotel Chancillería, in Jerez de la Frontera, which is designed in line with bioclimatic principles. Francis makes a comparison between traditional indigenous populations, whose impact on the environment was very small, and modern society, which is founded on an economic system which demands immediate, voracious consumption. “We must be capable of finding solutions which maintain a balance between sustainability and profit”, she states.
 
Inspired by the most spectacular bioclimatic architecture, the Leaf House complex in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) stands out. Its name comes from the fact that it has a roof shaped like a banana leaf, which is designed to collect rainwater and reuse it in the Leaf House. It is a project designed by the Brazilian studio Mareines + Patalano, formed by several interconnected modules which are open to the exterior in order to encourage the circulation of fresh air and ventilation, such that it does not incorporate an air conditioning system. 

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