{"id":132520,"date":"2026-02-18T10:53:36","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T09:53:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/sin-categorizar\/arquitectura-passivhaus-fachada-ventilada-ies-muskiz\/"},"modified":"2026-03-10T15:35:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T14:35:27","slug":"passivhaus-architecture-ventilated-facade-ies-muskiz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/blog\/passivhaus-architecture-ventilated-facade-ies-muskiz\/","title":{"rendered":"Passivhaus Architecture: The Ventilated Fa\u00e7ade as an Efficiency Driver at IES Muskiz"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Contemporary architecture has a clear objective for 2030 and 2050: decarbonization and maximum energy efficiency. In this context, the<strong> Passivhaus<\/strong> standard has moved beyond being a trend to become a <strong>benchmark for responsible construction<\/strong>. But how can this level of thermal performance be achieved without compromising design or durability?<\/p>\n<p>The answer lies in the building envelope. In this article, we explore why <strong>ceramic ventilated fa\u00e7ades<\/strong> are a strategic component for<strong> Passivhaus buildings<\/strong> and how this concept is applied in one of our most recent projects: <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/portfolio\/educational-project-new-build-ies-muskiz\/\">IES Muskiz.<\/a>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2925{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2925\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2a86{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2a86\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 28px;\">The 5 Passivhaus Principles and the Role of the Building Envelope<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2b0a{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2b0a\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]Designing a <strong>passive hous<\/strong>e or nearly zero-energy building requires rigorous control of energy demand. The goal is to achieve maximum indoor comfort while minimizing the need for active heating and cooling.<\/p>\n<p>To obtain <strong>Passivhaus certification<\/strong>, the design must comply with five fundamental principles, in which the fa\u00e7ade plays a key role:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>High-performance thermal insulation<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/blog\/thermal-bridges-what-they-are-and-how-to-solve-them\/\"><strong>Elimination of thermal bridges<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Airtight construction<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>High-efficiency windows<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>This is where <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/ventilated-facade\/\">FAVEKER\u00ae\u2019s ventilated fa\u00e7ade system<\/a> becomes a high-value construction solution. It not only meets the technical requirements but also protects the structure and ensures the long-term durability of the building.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2b82{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2b82\"><\/div>[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image custom_alt=&#8221;Placas cer\u00e1micas FAVEKER\u00ae en la fachada de un edificio comercial&#8221; image=&#8221;125600&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image custom_alt=&#8221;Centro Comercial GranCasa de Zaragoza con fachada ventilada cer\u00e1mica: una est\u00e9tica contempor\u00e1nea con la m\u00e1xima certificaci\u00f3n energ\u00e9tica&#8221; image=&#8221;125602&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2c0f{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2c0f\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2c95{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2c95\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 28px;\">Why Is a Ventilated Fa\u00e7ade Ideal for Passivhaus Projects?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2d24{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2d24\"><\/div>[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]Technically speaking, the ventilated fa\u00e7ade is one of the most comprehensive solutions for <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/blog\/sustainable-building-demand-ventilated-facades\/\">sustainable construction<\/a>. By separating the exterior cladding from the structure through an air cavity and incorporating continuous insulation, several physical advantages are created that reinforce the principles of passive architecture:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Elimination of thermal bridges.<\/strong> The anchoring system and continuous external insulation prevent localized energy losses at floor slabs and columns. This is essential for achieving the energy balance required by Passivhaus standards.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chimney effect in summer.<\/strong> While Passivhaus design focuses heavily on retaining heat during winter, preventing overheating is equally critical in warm climates such as Spain. The air cavity creates natural convective ventilation that reduces direct solar heat gain and lowers cooling demand.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Protection and durability.<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/products\/ceramic\/\">ceramic fa\u00e7ade<\/a> acts as a protective shield against weather exposure.<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/blog\/why-choose-porcelain-tile-outdoor-facade\/\"> Made from high-quality extruded porcelain stoneware<\/a>,<\/strong> it ensures extremely low water absorption, protecting both insulation and structure from <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/blog\/what-deficiencies-can-a-poorly-insulated-facade-have\/\">moisture damage<\/a>. In addition, UV radiation impacts directly on the ceramic surface\u2014a material highly resistant to solar exposure that does not deteriorate or change over time\u2014preventing radiation from affecting the building\u2019s structural envelope.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;125610&#8243; img_size=&#8221;700&#215;800&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2d9a{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2d9a\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2e07{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2e07\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 28px;\">IES Muskiz: A Case Study in Modern and Sustainable Educational Architecture<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2e73{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2e73\"><\/div>[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image custom_alt=&#8221;Sistema de fijaci\u00f3n para fachada ventilada FAVEKER\u00ae&#8221; image=&#8221;125612&#8243; img_size=&#8221;600&#215;500&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]Theory becomes reality when it is applied rigorously on site. A clear example of how <strong>technology<\/strong> supports sustainable educational architecture is the new <strong>Secondary Education Institute in Muskiz (Bizkaia),<\/strong> designed by BAT Architecture.<\/p>\n<p>The building stands out for its architectural composition, organized into two longitudinal volumes connected by a central space. This layout not only encourages interaction, circulation and natural daylight but also highlights the combination of <strong>natural materials with cutting-edge technology.<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2edf{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2edf\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0cm 2.0pt .55pt;\"><span lang=\"es\">The Challenge: Timber Structure, Volumetry and Passivhaus Comfort<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2f4a{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2f4a\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]IES Muskiz features a remarkable construction milestone: it is entirely built with a<strong> cross-laminated timber (CLT)<\/strong> structure, which reduces the carbon footprint while providing high thermal and acoustic comfort. CLT\u2014<em>cross-laminated timber<\/em>\u2014is composed of layers of wood boards stacked perpendicular to each other. Its main advantages include structural strength, versatility, natural aesthetics and, of course,<a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/sustainability\/\"> sustainability.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>This structural system is complemented by a ceramic fa\u00e7ade designed to protect the timber from the demanding climate of northern Spain while meeting the<strong> strict requirements of Passivhaus design<\/strong> and the intensive use typical of a school environment.<\/p>\n<p>Conceived in this way, IES Muskiz is more than just an educational building. It is a statement about <strong>how future public spaces should be designed:<\/strong> efficient, healthy and aesthetically integrated into their urban surroundings.[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2fb4{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a2fb4\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0cm 2.0pt .55pt;\"><span lang=\"es\">The FAVEKER\u00ae Solution: Partnership with Louvelia \u2013 Saltoki<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a3034{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a3034\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]For this project, the solution was not a standard cladding system but a custom development created in collaboration with the technical team at<strong> BAT Architecture<\/strong> and through comprehensive technical cooperation with our specialist partners <strong>Louvelia \u2013 Saltoki.<\/strong> Their expertise in fa\u00e7ade engineering and high-performance material distribution was key to the success of the project.<\/p>\n<p>The selected system consists of a ventilated fa\u00e7ade using<a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/products\/ceramic\/ga16\/\"> GA16 Muskiz panels<\/a>\u2014lightweight and highly durable\u2014combined with the <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/products\/fixing-systems\/fts-505\/\">FTS 505 system.<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Custom piece with a wavy profile<\/strong>, known as<strong> GA16 MUSKIZ.<\/strong> To break the horizontal lines of the volumes and introduce rhythm to the fa\u00e7ade, a specially extruded ceramic piece with a wavy vertical relief was developed. Its <strong>neutral, luminous tone<\/strong> enhances natural light, improving visual comfort while reinforcing the sense of balance that defines the building\u2019s final design.<\/li>\n<li><strong>FTS 505 Fixing System<\/strong>: Safety and structural stability are ensured through this substructure system. It provides a robust mechanical fixing that adapts perfectly to the geometry of the Faveker pieces. The system allows for precise and efficient vertical installation while maintaining the air cavity required for optimal thermal performance without compromising the fa\u00e7ade\u2019s clean aesthetic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Discover all the technical details and the full image gallery of the <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/portfolio\/educational-project-new-build-ies-muskiz\/\">IES Muskiz project in FAVEKER\u2019s portfolio.<\/a>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a30a5{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a30a5\"><\/div>[vc_single_image custom_alt=&#8221;Sistema de fijaci\u00f3n para fachada ventilada FAVEKER\u00ae&#8221; image=&#8221;125614&#8243; img_size=&#8221;600&#215;500&#8243;]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a310f{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a310f\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a3177{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a3177\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 28px;\">Wood and Ceramic: Sustainable Building Materials<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a31de{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a31de\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]As in emerging <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/blog\/trends-architecture-collective-housing-coliving-ventilated-facade\/\">coliving models<\/a>, educational buildings also require healthy, durable materials. When the goal is efficient and environmentally responsible construction, timber structures and ceramic cladding stand out as an ideal combination. FAVEKER\u00ae ceramic panels are manufactured through extrusion processes using high-quality clays\u2014an inert, 100% recyclable material with exceptional durability. This production method contributes to the<a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/sustainability\/\"> overall sustainability of the project<\/a> and can support the achievement of certifications such as LEED or BREEAM.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a324e{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a324e\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 28px;\">Planning to Certify Your Next Building?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a32bf{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a32bf\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]<strong>Passive architecture<\/strong> is no longer the future\u2014it is the current regulatory and ethical standard of our profession. Whether you are designing a building aiming for Passivhaus certification or simply pursuing the highest level of energy performance, the building envelope is where the process begins.<\/p>\n<p>At<strong> FAVEKER\u00ae<\/strong>, we collaborate with <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/home\/faveker-architect\/\">architects<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/home\/faveker-builder\/\"> construction<\/a> companies from the earliest design stages to ensure that the fa\u00e7ade meets both aesthetic expectations and the most demanding technical requirements. <strong>If you have a project in mind<\/strong>, <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/technical-office\/\">contact our Technical Office<\/a>. We will help you design a ventilated fa\u00e7ade system that combines energy efficiency, contemporary architecture and long-term sustainability.[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a3326{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69ea2ea5a3326\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Passivhaus certification requires an envelope capable of minimising energy demand without compromising on design. In this article, we explore how ventilated ceramic fa\u00e7ades become strategic allies of passive architecture, guaranteeing continuous insulation, eliminating thermal bridges and controlling overheating. Through the case study of IES Muskiz, we analyse how a Passivhaus building with a CLT timber structure and FAVEKER\u00ae fa\u00e7ade system demonstrates that efficiency, durability and aesthetics can coexist in the same project..<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":125619,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"yes","_lmt_disable":"","wds_primary_category":24,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38,71],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-132520","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-sustainable-buildings"],"acf":[],"modified_by":"faveker","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/132520","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=132520"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/132520\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/125619"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=132520"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=132520"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=132520"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}