Youth Center La C@va by Aquidos – A Sustainable Community Hub in Spain

A Vision for Social and Cultural Engagement

The Youth Center La C@va, designed by Aquidos, is a transformation of a small municipal building into a vibrant, multi-functional space that fosters social and cultural connections. Located in Spain, this 301 m² renovation and expansion project integrates sustainable architecture with community needs, creating a dynamic space for youth activities.

The design focuses on strengthening collective identity, offering a welcoming environment where young people can interact, learn, and grow. The architects—Oriol Marin i Gordi, Carles Bárcena Roig, Aleix Jané Canals, and Núria Garcia i Soto—developed a project that harmonizes with its surroundings, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces.

Sustainability and Passive Design Strategies

A key aspect of this project is its energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. The extension follows a longitudinal axis that aligns with the site's topography and maximizes solar exposure. The south-facing façade is designed with plant pergolas featuring native deciduous vegetation, providing natural shading in summer and allowing solar gain in winter.

Additional sustainable features include:

• TROMBE wall solar collectors, maintaining a higher indoor temperature during winter.
• SATE insulation, optimizing thermal performance.
• A semi-buried patio, utilizing the chimney effect for natural ventilation and cooling.
• A heat pump system with enthalpy and air ducts, ensuring year-round thermal comfort.

These bioclimatic strategies minimize the need for artificial heating and cooling, reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs. The integration of natural lighting, ventilation, and greenery enhances indoor air quality and contributes to a healthier environment.

Neuroarchitecture and Human-Centered Design

The design follows the principles of neuroarchitecture, emphasizing the psychological and emotional impact of built environments. The relationship between architecture and human behavior has been carefully considered to create a space that enhances well-being. Features such as visual connections to nature, abundant daylight, and spatial fluidity contribute to a sense of openness and comfort.

As a publicly funded project, Youth Center La C@va sets an example for sustainable design in community architecture, serving as a pedagogical model for eco-conscious construction. It demonstrates how sustainable and healthy architecture can be seamlessly integrated into urban contexts, benefiting both individuals and the environment.

All Photographs are works of Pol Viladoms