GIZ Bioclimatic offices

The German Cooperation Agency (GIZ: Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit ) in Peru and the Ministry of Environment (MINAM) requested bio-climatic spaces for their offices located on the third floor of the current MINAM in Lima. The objective was to create comfortable, bright, work environments without the need of air conditioning systems at times of greater solar radiation. In Peru radiation is considered as «very high» and «extremely high» in summer season.

A modulated bamboo structure (Guadua Angustifolia) was proposed, highlighting this environmental-friendly material with wood and glass. The structure is high enough to expel hot air and to allow a natural cross ventilation through all the spaces designing high and lower windows. Eaves were also proposed to protect the facades of the East, as well as the West of greater solar incidence.

The enclosures in case of the walls are made of wood and plasterboard. Wood was also used to connect walls, windows and doors. At the roof, a lightweight bamboo beam structure was also used, together with expanded polystyrene and asphalt mantle allowing comfortable temperatures inside the offices and avoiding water inside the spaces.