Design

The climate of the Somontano area, at 500m above sea level is continental with cold winters (down to -5 degrees C) and hot dry summers.  To accomodate this climate and build an energy efficient house we’ve employed the following design principals:

• Passive solar heating through large South facing windows and doors
• Super insulation, even more than would normally be installed in much colder countries
• Air-tight construction
• Using high thermal mass on the interior such as a local ceramic brick called ‘thermoarcilla’
• Heat recovery ventilation (MVHR)

Architecturally, we’ve gone for a conservative rustic look on the outside using design elements typical of the region.  Inside we plan to have a single large living space divided by asian style moveable partitions or walls that don’t reach up to the vaulted roof.