Net Zero ECOALF Store
Madrid
ECOALF, a sustainable fashion and lifestyle brand, wanted a store that would serve to express and share its philosophy on how we should relate to our planet, while creating the minimum impact that underlies all of its activities. In addition, the store had to be able to showcase the product itself and its origin as an unbeatable example of how to contribute to the preservation of our planet.
Caleido’s premises, which are not large, offered a suitable location for this. Its geometric characteristics allowed us to think about playing with spaces that would encourage meetings and debates, aspects that were part of the project’s programme from the outset. This geometry was made up of two almost cubic twin volumes of very different heights, so that one of them rises to almost 9 m inside, creating a void that had to be incorporated into the design. This led us to seek a solution that used the ceiling as an element of continuity, taking advantage of the existing openings to deliberately integrate them into the space. The scale became the protagonist and we had to play with it. To this end, we used a cladding that is not only the ceiling, but also extends along the walls, enveloping the entire space and connecting the lowest and highest areas; a lattice of slats with sinuous shapes that accompanies the visitor from the entrance, made of light, very light poplar wood.
The key criteria for the selection of materials were their positive CO2 impact and their ability to be reused and recycled at the end of their life cycle; in other words, materials with a minimal or zero carbon footprint to make the space carbon neutral. A natural terracotta cladding was proposed for the walls to create an enveloping and silky atmosphere, effectively regulating heat and humidity while reducing the store’s energy consumption; and for the flooring, a large-format ceramic floor with a concrete texture was combined with sisal carpeting to provide a warm counterpoint in all the perimeter areas.
Wooden and ceramic furniture and shelving, also in wood, completed the desired environmental quality. The lighting was hidden between the slats, leaving only a single piece suspended above the customer service counter.
On the other hand, and with the aim of consuming as little energy as possible, a total of 15 solar panels were installed to minimise the consumption of electricity from the general grid. They have an average lifespan of 25 years and prevent 2.95 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere each year. Made of silicone, they are almost completely recyclable to promote the circular economy.
During the project and its implementation, a life cycle analysis of the materials was carried out and dynamically incorporated into the selection process, discarding those that did not pass the test. With all this, the store has managed to achieve a balance in terms of CO2 emissions, thanks to the efforts of the promoter, who has gone beyond what is usual when certifying a work for its environmental quality.
