Sustainable and Intelligent Buildings - Essay Example

Prevailing climate is hot and tropical with average temperature of 22°C and average humidity of 78%. There is also considerable wind exposure due to its location. From December to March, trade winds can reach average speeds of 20 km/h with peaks as high as 74 km/h. During the rest of the year, winds has an average speed of 10 km/h. Annual rainfall on the site is 1.9 m falling mostly during the rainy season of May to December. Hurricanes are not common but are damaging when they do pass by the country.

Holcim wanted to create an office building in Costa Rica which highlighted their commitment to green buildings and sustainable construction. The design would have to comply with the five principles of sustainable construction set forth by the foundation. These are as follows: Ecological quality and conservation – common building projects are not only wasteful during construction but also in its entire service. Sustainable buildings should be made of durable and energy efficient materials and system thru the use of environmental energy.

Economic performance and compatibility – building projects pose a significant investment. Sustainable buildings are those that realize savings in its long term performance thru the use of free natural energy. These five core principles form Holcim’s sustainable building objectives and formed the basis for the design concept of its office in Costa Rica. There were many ideas offered by architectural firms but the one that stood out was the proposal made by the firm of Bruno Stagno. The architect had in mind the idea of ‘passive building, active people’.

Stagno argued that people usually relied on building systems such as mechanical air conditioning systems for making the indoor environment more comfortable hence making them passive. The Lead Architect wanted an office wherein people are actively engaged in control of