The newly constructed Muskiz Secondary School in Vizcaya, Spain, has emerged as a groundbreaking example of sustainable educational architecture. Designed by BAT Architecture studio and featuring Faveker's custom-designed tiled ventilated facade system, the building represents a significant advancement in combining environmental responsibility with innovative design solutions.
The project was developed according to strict Passivhaus criteria and constructed using cross-laminated timber (CLT), demonstrating the school's commitment to both energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The building's most striking feature is its tailor-made tiled facade, which utilizes Faveker's GA16 system as its foundation while incorporating unique customizations specifically developed for this project.
Architectural design for the 4,191 square meter facility centers around creating a flexible, efficient building capable of adapting to modern learning methodologies. The structure consists of two longitudinal volumes connected by a central circulation area, highlighted by a large open staircase that encourages movement and interaction among students and faculty. This thoughtful layout maximizes cross-ventilation and natural light penetration throughout the building.
The facade system represents a significant technical achievement through the development of the specialized GA16 MUSKIZ tile model. Working in close collaboration with BAT Architecture's technical team, Faveker created extruded tiles featuring a distinctive wave-shaped design that transforms the building's exterior into a vibrant, tactile surface. These tiles maintain all the technical properties of the standard GA16 system, including lightweight construction, structural resistance, tongue-and-groove design for cavity protection, and concealed mechanical anchorage systems.
The vertical slat arrangement creates a dynamic, ever-changing surface whose gentle curves interact with natural light to cast varying shadows throughout the day. This interplay depends on both building orientation and time, giving the facade remarkable depth and visual movement. The tiles' luminous, neutral coloring enhances natural light reflection, significantly boosting interior comfort while reinforcing the facade's balanced, restful appearance.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the facade functions as a sophisticated climatic skin that actively regulates internal temperatures, protects the building cavity from moisture infiltration, and substantially improves overall energy performance. These characteristics prove essential in helping the structure meet demanding Passivhaus certification standards, which require extremely low energy consumption for heating and cooling.
The Muskiz Secondary School project demonstrates how advanced technology and architectural sensitivity can work harmoniously together. BAT Architecture successfully integrated wooden prefabrication techniques with Lean construction processes and maintained direct collaboration with industrial manufacturers to optimize construction timelines, ensure quality control, and maximize sustainability outcomes. The use of CLT timber construction significantly reduces the building's carbon footprint while providing superior thermal and acoustic comfort for occupants.
Faveker's extruded tiles serve dual purposes in this innovative design, addressing both technical performance requirements and symbolic architectural goals. The tiles help bring to life a vision of warm, durable, and environmentally responsible architecture that creates an educational environment conveying tranquility, clarity, and overall well-being. The successful integration of tiles, wood, and natural light creates a harmonious learning environment that supports both student achievement and environmental consciousness.
Photography for the project was completed by Aitor Estévez, documenting the successful realization of this architectural vision. The project stands as a testament to the potential for educational facilities to serve as models of sustainable design while maintaining the highest standards of functionality and aesthetic appeal.
