The renovation of the Mergelina Faculty (Valladolid, Spain) transforms a 1960s building into a benchmark for efficiency: advanced insulation, smart solar control and ventilation with heat recovery cut energy demand and enhance comfort without losing identity.
The refurbishment of the Mergelina Faculty of Sciences at the University of Valladolid (Spain) was conceived as a comprehensive energy efficiency project focused on upgrading a 1960s building, extending its useful life by more than a century. The strategy centred on an internal reconfiguration that optimises bioclimatic performance without altering the original geometry or openings, redistributing spaces according to orientation, function, and use, which has significantly improved thermal and lighting comfort.
To reduce energy demand, highly insulated façades and glazing tailored to orientation were incorporated, featuring high acoustic and thermal performance glass and automatic solar control. The building was connected to the district heating network, reducing reliance on individual systems and improving overall campus efficiency. The renovation also included centralised ventilation with heat recovery, ensuring indoor air quality and thermal savings.
At an urban level, green roofs and landscaped areas were maximised, reducing the heat island effect and promoting biodiversity in the academic environment. The use of low-impact materials —free from VOCs, with recycled content and locally sourced— and waste management within a circular economy framework complete an integrated approach, which also aims for environmental certifications such as LEED or VERDE-GBCe.
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