“The potential to become a benchmark in the urban context of Brazil” – Holcim Awards Jury
The Enkyo medical and social center located in the Asian Quarter of Liberdade close to downtown São Paulo will be thoroughly computer-simulated with regard to its surrounding urban context for observations of aerodynamics, thermal behavior and natural lightning. This is a pilot project for computer-simulation in Brazil. Based on sound analyses, all traced strategies were meant to be economical and simple rather than high-tech in order to keep life cycle costs low.
Last updated: July 10, 2008 Mexico City, Mexico
As a result many passive measures were integrated into the design such as an optimal building orientation and shading elements on the façades without affecting high daylight penetration. Geothermal pre-cooling as an entirely new strategy for the subtropical region of Brazil was developed, bringing naturally available groundwater as cooling fluid to standard fan-coil units of conventional air conditioning systems. In addition 100% of the rainwater will be collected for non-potable use, also improving storm water management. The jury has commended this project because it has the potential to become a benchmark with regard to energy efficiency, geothermal pre-cooling and rainwater harvesting in the urban context of Brazil.