Inatel Foundation: A Hotel Capable of Satisfying the Demands of the 21st Century

28 December 2017

EDP Prize – Honorable Mention – “Public Buildings” Inatel Foundation –  Albufeira Hotel Unit

The total investment in the refurbishment of the property came in at 4.5 million euros, including upgrades to energy efficiency, which cost roughly 635,000 euros.

The Praia Building in Albufeira is owned by Inatel and was originally remodelled in 2013/14. Inatel stated that the hotel, “was obsolete in all its aspects, primarily concerning its energy-hungry infrastructure.”

The property had no thermal insulation in its exterior walls, roofing, or patios. Single-glazed windows led to substantial losses of energy.

In 2013/14, with the remodelling/renovation of the INATEL Foundation Beach Building in Albufeira, the hotel aimed to adapt its accommodations and other services to the demands of the 21st century, while improving the surrounding environment by limiting the building’s environmental impact on the Algarve coastal zone.  The refurbishment was able to reduce energy consumption through the installation of low consumption equipment, by rationalising energy use, and at the same time improving working conditions, the quality of the hotel’s services, and its customers’ comfort.

Energy Efficiency

The facades, roofs and patios were upgraded with thermal insulation to increase the property’s energy efficiency.

As regards lighting and building safety equipment, 100% LED illumination was installed, with a total value of 90,000 euros. The equipment consumes 61% less electricity, which translates into an estimated saving of 237,000 kWh/year, and savings of approximately 21,000 euros/year.

Centralised technical management of the building through hardware, equipment and engineering allowing all electrical and mechanical installations to be monitored remotely, increasing efficiency.

Four new lifts with class A energy efficiency ratings were installed. The updated technology provides considerable savings in electric power.

The building’s air conditioning is now provided by a central system which uses chilled water (between 7ºC / 12ºC) that is produced through air/water chiller units, with full recovery (preheating of water), and a centralised hot water production system by thermal groups.

At the same time, a solar heating system was installed to pre-heat water. The solar heating system consists of fifty collectors and a 2,000-litre storage tank.

Original Story: Jornal de Negócios – Filipe S. Fernandes

Translation: Richard Turner