The University of Valencia has presented the renovation of its General Physics laboratory. The project was managed by the Technical and Maintenance Service (STM) under the leadership of the Vice-Rectorate for Economics and Infrastructure.
Health and sustainability as key objectives
The main goal of the renovation was to improve user comfort and health. At the same time, the project aimed to minimise environmental impact.
Project delivery and key participants
The project was completed on 10 September 2024. Several key representatives attended the handover. These included the Vice-Rector for Economics and Infrastructure, Justo Herrera, and the Dean of the Faculty of Physics, Enric Valor.
In addition, STM technicians responsible for the project were present. Samuel Ballester led the design and execution as architect. María Dolores Yagüe supervised execution as technical architect, while Cristina Mateo, Director of STM, oversaw the project.
Furthermore, faculty staff, the designer Julio Mascaró and the construction company Consval 2012 also attended the event.
Circular and healthy materials for enhanced comfort, acoustics and indoor performance
The renovation uses circular and healthy materials such as Honext, which is used in the wall cladding and ceilings, where panels have been installed, providing warmth and comfort as well as optimum acoustic insulation. In addition, they have been installed on a 6 cm cork base, enhancing their insulating effectiveness.
To protect the surfaces, the panels have been treated with Sikkens (Akzonobel) brand water-based varnish, respecting the healthiness and recyclability of the material and thus contributing to the generation of a safe and healthy interior.
Honext boards are Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold C2C Certified® and Material Health Certificate™ Gold Level certified, proving their circularity and safety for indoor use.
They are made from residual cellulose fibres from the paper industry, a waste that is destined for landfill or incineration and that thanks to the biotechnological process patented by Honext can be converted into these boards that have different applications in interior use and have a positive impact on the environment.
Positive impact of using HONEXT:
315m2 used = 2268Kg of waste rescued = 2517 Kg/CO2 rescued.
Health and sustainability: reducing energy consumption
Energy efficiency has been a key priority in the renovation of the laboratory. Every design decision was made to reduce energy consumption. At the same time, the project aligns with the University of Valencia’s commitment to climate action.
Commitment to climate action and SDGs
Recently, the University of Valencia (UV) improved its position in the THE University Impact Rankings. This international ranking measures how universities contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UV is ranked across all 17 SDGs. In particular, it holds position 27 in Goal 13, which focuses on climate action.
Natural light and thermal performance
The laboratory features large windows to maximise natural light. As a result, the need for artificial lighting is reduced.
In addition, low-emissivity solar glass has been installed. This helps prevent heat exchange with the exterior and improves thermal performance.
Wooden window frames have also been selected. As a natural material, wood captures CO₂ and contributes to a warmer and more comfortable indoor environment.
Solar control and ventilation systems
To control solar radiation, the building incorporates external louvres. These elements act as adjustable blinds, allowing light to enter while limiting excess heat.
Moreover, air renewal is managed through a heat recovery system. This system is installed in an adjacent space and works autonomously. As a result, it maintains indoor temperature while ensuring continuous air circulation.
At the same time, it guarantees a clean and healthy indoor environment.
Energy efficiency and performance
These measures significantly reduce the need for heating and air conditioning. In addition, the laboratory uses LED lighting to further optimise energy consumption.
Overall, the laboratory achieves a high level of energy efficiency. It reaches a value of 2.1 in airtightness tests, in line with Passivhaus standards.
The design principles used in the refurbishment of the General Physics laboratory were based on the five key principles of Passivhaus design, which are:
– Passivhaus windows, either as certified windows or windows that are not certified but installed with maximum airtightness criteria and manufactured with maximum thermal insulation materials. In the case of the laboratory, windows with wooden frames, triple glazing and low-emissivity solar glass.
– Adequate ventilation strategy. In the Passivhaus design, there is a constant supply of fresh air through the ventilation system. In this sense, the laboratory has a heat exchanger that guarantees the supply of air to the rooms almost at room temperature, without the need for supplementary heating (the cold and heat remain outside).
– Thermal insulation. Thanks to good thermal insulation, the space retains heat in winter and avoids it in summer. In the laboratory this has been achieved thanks to a 6 cm base of natural cork.
– Airtightness. In a Passivhaus design there is a continuous hermetic layer, which protects the structure, prevents energy losses and improves comfort. In this renovation, this has been achieved with a layer of plaster, airtight paint and flexible strips on the windows.
– Design with reduced thermal bridges. The reduction of thermal bridges has been prioritised in the construction of the building through the appropriate choice of materials.
The airtightness of the building is determined by the differential pressure test (BlowerDoor test). The Enerphit certificate requires an airtightness level of n = 1.0/air change per hour. During the refurbishment of this laboratory, three BlowerDoor tests were carried out to check the progress of the work and a value of 2.1 air changes per hour was achieved.
This is three times better than the values established by the Technical Building Code, which is 6 renovations per hour. Therefore, it is a success in the design and execution of the works.
Reuse, reduction and recycling. The three R’s have been applied in this project.
Those elements of the furniture that could be reused have been restored and given a new use in this innovative and renovated laboratory. Under this same premise, it was decided to maintain the terrazzo floor, polishing it to give it an impeccable finish and avoiding the generation of waste that would be involved in removing and replacing it.
This refurbishment not only provides a more comfortable and healthy space for students, but also sets a model to follow in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency in the academic environment.
More info:
https://energiehaus.es/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Guia_de_certificacion_de_edificios_PHI_ES.pdf