The World Architecture Festival (WAF) and PEFC have unveiled the finalists for this year’s Best Use of Certified Timber Prize. The Prize rewards architects and project teams for using certified timber as a main construction material for outstanding buildings. Source: Timberbiz
One of the finalists is Paseo Mallorca 15, a calm and green oasis in the city.
This residential building is in the heart of Palma de Mallorca, Spain and is set to become a landmark in the city due to its sustainability, energy efficiency, interior design and level of comfort.
The outside of the building is defined by two types of facades. A permeable skin made of PEFC-certified wooden slats filters the sun and plays with the light and shade in the living areas of the homes.
Another, more solid, stone façade protects the bedrooms.
On entering the building, visitors are greeted by a green wall of Spanish cane, leading out onto the inner courtyard. With its different levels, the courtyard acts as a lung of vegetation, that continues upward until it reaches the landscaped terraces on the eighth floor. A waterfall that cascades to the floor below cools the courtyard in the summer and creates a relaxing sound.
The project has been designed according to Passivhaus standards to achieve maximum energy efficiency. Air conditioning and cooling needs are reduced by up to 90% compared with conventional buildings, making it a structure with very low energy costs.
The WAF is on from 30 November until 2 December more information at
