From cavity walls to ventilated facades
The ventilated facade we know today, with all its technical complexity, stems from a concept originating in 19th century English construction, the “cavity wall”. This hollow wall appeared as an alternative to the solid wall that had been used for centuries in all types of architecture. A wall was formed by two skins with a gap between them. This initial air space concept prevented moisture from penetrating inside, helping water to escape again.
Two centuries later, this concept has developed to become one of the most widely used systems for achieving better efficiencies in building facades. This ventilated facade allows the interior air to be renewed, evacuating this hot air by convention, achieving an increase in thermal control and a reduction in the appearance of condensation.
In EUSKALAN, besides being specialized in rehabilitation works, structural consolidation or adaptation to different uses, we are specialists in the application of all kinds of strategies in the building envelope to improve its energy efficiency.
We have a comprehensive management service backed by extensive experience as rehabilitation agents, which covers all areas necessary for the application and management of the process of processing aid and the implementation of the intervention.
In Portugalete, at 6 Danok Bat Street, our team has rehabilitated the front and rear facade of this party building. The intervention has included the removal of the existing tiles finish and the execution of a ceramic ventilated facade to improve the energy performance of the building. Attention has been paid to details, such as the modification of the original gutters, making new ones in composite, or the fcade installations. The terraces have also been refurbished by replacing the railings with stainless steel and glass ones, the formation of slopes, the waterproofing, and the flooring of the terraces.
The intervention has been completed with the installation of an Exterior Thermal Insulation System (ETICS) in acrylic finish, another of the most widely used strategies nowadays. This not only improves energy performance and efficiency, but also updates the image of the facades, which results in a revaluation of the building.
Another example is the five blocks, also in Portugalete, on Avenida La Pastora, where the conditions of the building have led our team of specialists to make the decision to make this improvement with a ventilated facade system.
On the main side facing the street, a ceramic ventilated facade with low absorption and rock wool insulation is executed. On the back side, the same technical solution has been used, but with a composite finish. The roof has also been treated, where insulation has been placed over the pre-existing sandwich panel, with a self-protected slate-type asphalt fabric finish. All the railings and clotheslines have also been replaced with new ones finished in stainless steel and glass.
This intervention improves the energy efficiency of the buildings while completely renewing the image of all their facades.
Also on this occasion, the Department of Aid Management of EUSKALAN ensured the feasibility of the proposal, obtaining 30% aid from the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDEA), attached to the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, complemented with direct financing by our company.
