Architecture
JUAN FELIPE IBARRA COMPLEX
Santiago del Estero, Argentina
Modern intelligent buildings housing the headquarters of the Ministries of Economy and Education of the Province of Santiago del Estero, the Social Fund, a cultural walk, a panoramic viewpoint open to the public on the 24th floor and parking in the basement. Efficient design combined with sustainable practices reduce operating and maintenance costs throughout the life of the building.
First sustainable public building in Argentina to be certified according to LEED Standards
PROJECT
JUAN FELIPE IBARRA COMPLEX
CLIENT
DIRECCIÓN GENERAL DE ARQUITECTURA DEPENDIENTE DEL MINISTERIO DE OBRAS Y SERVICIOS PÚBLICOS DE LA PROVINCIA DE SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO
DESCRIPTION OF WORKS
Two towers of 24 and 18 floors were built in addition to the basements and ground floor, connected by two bridges with inclined and converging finish. Also included is a four-story annex building containing the Social Security Fund offices.
The complex is 105m high at its highest point. The top floor functions as a tourist viewpoint, with unique views of the city and an operating capacity of 500 visits per day.
These are intelligent buildings with communication services, data, IP telephony, Internet, monitoring and control with video cameras, automatic air conditioning systems, lighting control, ventilation, access control and security offices. Everything is controlled by a Building Manager System (BMS) system.
The facade of tinted double glazed glass with an air chamber minimizes energy expenditure. On the facades facing north, sun visors on the glass control solar radiation while maintaining a view of the city. Natural lighting has been a priority, as has having a suitable combination of lighting fixtures with light sensors.
The «turnkey» approach included fully equipping the building with high quality finishes. The offices include technical floors, modern carpeting and modern furniture, lighting, partitions and woodwork partitions, etc. The complex also contains a large auditorium for 120, fully equipped with acoustic paneling and a complete audio system. The project has eight high-speed elevators plus two hydraulic elevators in support areas.
The basement required 10,000 m3 underground excavation, in soil with a high presence of sand with high water table. The structural foundations as a whole were resolved with a deep foundation system which consists of 30 meter deep piles, which reach the resistant substrates. Large-scale heads are supported on different groups of piles. The piles represent 3,500 m3 of reinforced concrete.
The facade of the Ministry of Education, has been integrated into the restoration of the historic facade of the former School of Commerce Professor Antenor Ferreyra.
Infrastructure links included 500 m of sewer networks in a concentric radius, 250 m of a drinking water network, and a new deep pumping well with chlorination, to strengthen services to the city center.
SUSTAINABLE ASPECTS
In December 2015 the project received LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Silver level, from the Green Building Council of the United States (USGBC). After 4 years of joint work between designers, consultants, the construction company and the client, the project achieved concepts of sustainability and energy savings which make it the first sustainable public building in Argentina.
Energy efficiency:
- «smart» buildings which receive information from sensors and detectors automatically and efficiently regulating the needs of lighting and thermal improvements in each sector.
- The project design also allows for a better use of natural lighting.
- System of glass sun visors for sun protection.
- Solar collectors for water heating.
Water savings:
- Efficient water taps to achieve savings in water consumption.
- Efficient drip irrigation using water condensate from air conditioners.
Construction materials and resources:
- Materials were extracted or produced at a distance of no more than 800 km, reducing the use of fossil fuels required to transport the same materials.
- Recycled materials such as as structural iron and carpets.
Indoor environmental quality:
- The design of the air conditioners improves the air quality and indoor temperature through the Free Cooling system that takes advantage of outside air without turning on the equipment.
- Smoke-free building.
Waste management:
- The complex has sectorized spaces dedicated to the collection and separation of waste for proper recycling.
Reducing emissions from mobility:
- Preferential space for low-emission vehicles, which prioritize fuel efficiency and shared service vehicles (carpooling).
- Space for bicycles with showers for cyclists.
Green spaces
- Absorbent terraces with plant species that improve thermal performance and reduce the amount of rainwater which runs into the street.
DATA SHEET
Project San Martín Lonné Arquitectos ● Structural advisor: Ing Alberto Fainstein ● LEED advisor: Estudio Grinberg-Consultant engineers in sustainability and LEED certification● Electrical installations: Proyección Electroluz ● BMS: Fuego Red ● Thermomechanical installations advisor: Passair S.R.L. ● Sanitary and fireproof installations: Cosangas SA ● Lighting Consultant: Arq Delia Dubra ● Landscaping Advisor: Landscape Group. ● Curtain wall advisor: Estudio Angeli
