BIOCLIMATIC ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN OF BUILDINGS

The architectural design of the buildings took into account the principles of bioclimatic design. At the same time, with the help of models and appropriate computer programs, it was calculated that a reduction of 30% in energy consumption has been achieved compared to conventional Greek hospitals.
This reduction using proper management control can reach 35%. This translates, in addition to saving hundreds of thousands of euros as regards the hospital's operating costs, into the use of a building complex that is pleasant, comfortable and user-friendly.

This reduction using proper management control can reach 35%. This translates, in addition to saving hundreds of thousands of euros as regards the hospital's operating costs, into the use of a building complex that is pleasant, comfortable and user-friendly.

Key principles of design were:

• The staggered development of the building volumes in height, in order to avoid the shading of one building from the other.
• The turning, as far as possible, of the building volumes towards the south, so that the desired exploitation of solar radiation in winter and summer can be achieved by placing appropriate roofs on the openings. At the same time, where possible, skylights have been provided on the roofs to improve the lighting of the rooms.
• Provision of internal planted patios that contribute to better ventilation - cooling and lighting of the premises.
• In many rooms, ceiling fans are provided to reduce the need for pre-conditioned air from spring to autumn and increase the comfort zone from 25 °C to 28 °C.
• Shaded and covered outdoor paths and the planting of deciduous plants in the patios contribute to the creation of a suitable microclimate and provide shade and coolness in the summer months and plenty of light and passive heating in winter. At the same time, the use of water (ponds - jets) increases humidity and thus coolness in the summer months.