HArquitectes

With this project we want to exemplify the scarce use of materials with which HArquitectes resolve their architecture, and therefore their facades. In this occasion, only two materials: thermal insulation and perforated brick (gero). If in the interior wall, the structural support, the brick is arranged in a suitable way so as to resist the loads transmitted by the slab; in the outer wall, the same brick is arranged rotated showing its perforated surface, therefore, allowing the chamber between the two walls to be ventilated.

Facades formed by double walls present the problem of possible condensation of the water on the cold side of the insulation. This problem is hardly solvable when it is committed to preserve the water vapor diffusivity of the whole enclosure. The outer wall will hardly dissipate water vapor before it condenses. Harquitectes solve this problem in this house in Sant Cugat by means of punctual microventilations, allowing them to escape from the traditional image of cavity wall. Rainwater tightness is entrusted to the characteristics of the outer ceramic layer.