Calablanca T1-T2

Designing for climate isn’t a constraint—it’s an opportunity to achieve efficiency where it matters most.

The Calablanca project, developed by Arquitectura y Concreto in Barú, Cartagena, redefines the standard for sustainable residential design in extreme climates. Comprising two five-story residential towers, it became one of the first projects in Colombia to achieve LEED for Residential certification, with Green Loop providing LEED consulting, energy modeling, and commissioning.

One of the main challenges was achieving strong energy performance in a high-temperature environment where air conditioning is typically essential. Through multiple energy models, different façade solutions were evaluated, leading to the implementation of double glazing on high-radiation façades—an uncommon strategy in residential projects. This decision enabled energy savings of 53% and helped secure tax incentives tied to energy efficiency.

The project also incorporated innovative ventilation strategies, including bathroom exhaust systems that improve air renewal and control humidity, along with the careful selection of efficient equipment and appliances. In terms of water, the project achieved 38.63% indoor water savings and 66% outdoor water reduction, driven by efficient fixtures and low-water landscaping. Additionally, the project delivers carbon reductions of 155.9 tons of CO₂ equivalent from electricity and 41.8 tons from natural gas, reinforcing its strong environmental performance.

Calablanca proves that even in demanding climate conditions, it is possible to deliver efficient, comfortable housing aligned with global sustainability standards—setting a benchmark for residential development in Colombia.