MEDICAL CENTRE S. APOLLONIA – FONDI (LT), ITALY

Location: Fondi (Latina)

Timeframe:
2005-2006 (project)
2006-2008 (works)

Owner:
Centro Medico Odontoiatrico S. Apollonia

Project Coordination and Direction of Works:
Arch. Fabrizio Ferrante
Arch. Oscar Ferraro

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

The idea of the project was born after an accurate analysis of the surrounding environment, aimed at examining the bioclimatic components of sunlight, ventilation and relative humidity during the different seasons in order to optimize their effects on the energetic management of the building. The building, rare example of bioclimatic architecture in the Pontina region, is hosting a medical centre on two upper floors and a garage in the basement.

The attention of the architects focused mainly on the principles of building sustainability, by using passive systems for a noticeable containment of energy consumes. This was obtained in particular through the creation of an external “shell” able to reduce warmth dispersion at the minimum, and of a greenhouse built around the edifice. Also the attentive selection of materials was extremely important: the steel used for the external structure, besides being re-usable, allowed to create a flexible frame without pillars (present only on the perimeter). The aesthetical and technological choice of corrugated aluminium for the façade, together with the ground profile in slate, allows to sensibly decrease maintenance costs over time.

The greenhouse, besides having a relevant architectural importance, allows 50% energy saving and cost reduction during wintertime, thanks to the recovery of solar radiation through air-air exchangers. In summertime, instead, the façade is totally screened with external blinds, favouring natural ventilation through openings oriented towards summer winds blowing from South-West.