Build Sustainable Awards 2016

2016 Sustainable Building Awards Build 15 Company: Bruno Stagno Arquitecto y Asociados Name: Bruno Stagno Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.brunostagno.info Address: Pobox 680-1007, San José, Costa Rica Telephone: (506) 2233 9084 runo Stagno Arquitectos was stablished in 1978 in Costa Rica. Since inception the firm has evolved into a team of 12 people working in design and construction supervision for their clients. Bruno empathizes how his move to Costa Rica from Chile, where he had previously studied, gave him an appreciation for the need to integrate nature into his projects. “Since I moved to a tropical country I became aware of the relationship of architecture and climate. After studying this, I decided it would be interesting to integrate the climate into my designs. Little by little my buildings became sustainable as I continued to focus on nature and the environment around my constructions. Bioclimatic architecture was the key, and a market for sustainable buildings has now begun. “One example of our work is the recently designed six story high building we created to be used as classrooms for a university. In order to avoid air conditioning, which is expensive in Costa Rica, we designed with a cross ventilation system. The challenge was to avoid inter-classroom noise transmittance. To overcome this, we implemented a series of shafts for mechanical extraction of air, and used roof fans which will be powered by photovoltaic panels.” Sustainability is a key trend in the architecture industry currently. Bruno explains how those working in tropical environments such as Costa Rica need to adapt in order to offer truly sustainable projects. “Around the world architects want to be sustainable in order to leave a better legacy for the next generation. For developing countries of the tropical belt of the planet, bioclimatic architecture is crucial. It is important that architecture schools train them in how to design passive architecture. Our sector is demanding sustainable building, but sustainability through technology is exclusively for big corporations. Then bioclimatic architecture is the option if we want to preserve the ecosystem. “In order to support those keen to be more sustainable I, as Founding Director of the Institute for Tropical Architecture, helped to create the National RESET Standard (RESET: Requirements for Sustainable Buildings in the Tropics). RESET is not mandatory but some institutions are asking architects to design accordingly. RESET is free of charge and its application does not add extra cost to the buildings. The programme is available in Spanish. English and French. “Fundamentally sustainable architecture should focus, urgently, on preservation of the tropical ecosystem and not wait for an affordable and globalized building technology. It is obvious that it will take decades to be affordable for developing countries. Then architecture and the construction industry should be adapted to this specific condition of regionalism instead of a uniform globalization.” To finish Bruno expresses his excitement at the future as he looks to welcome the next generation into his business. “My son Pietro Stagno, and his wife Luz Letelier, who have recently joined my firm, are the second generation of sustainable architects, and will provide us with many new and exciting ideas. At this moment we are ready to start the construction of an eco-lodge, a food market and designing silo- park, for young entrepreneurs, and these new projects will provide us with great opportunities to gain new insight and experience. Best Environmentally Conscious Architectural Practice - Costa Rica & Best Sustainable Educational Facility Design: Pan American School, Costa Rica Bruno Stagno Arquitectos is a Central American architecture firm specialising in creating sustainable buildings which combine function with aesthetic beauty. We invited Founder Bruno Stagno to talk us through the company and the buildings it creates. B AR160138