Alarife
The eight-floor Alarife apartment building is located in the heart of Loja, which is considered the music and cultural capital of Ecuador. Residents of the homes have easy access to nearby shopping centers, hospitals, hotels and office buildings. Each of the 16 two and three-bedroom apartments are also resource-efficient, providing a comfortable environment where residents can live a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. With the building’s green features, residents can expect to save between 32 to 37 percent on their utility bills, depending on the type of unit.
Velsa Bauen Constructores, led by Pablo Vélez Salgado, is committed to the sustainable development of Loja. The company aims to create resource-efficient designs that improve the quality of life of its customers. Velsa Bauen Constructores believes that buildings should not only be comfortable and modern, but also green.
Alarife has received Final EDGE certification from preliminary EDGE certificate from Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).
Predicted Savings of EDGE Certification
Energy Savings*
Water Savings
Less Embodied Energy in Materials
*Part of the energy efficiency percentage may be associated with virtual energy for comfort depending on the presence of heating and cooling systems. Note that virtual energy does not contribute savings to utility bills.
Technical Solutions
Energy
Reduced window to wall ratio, reflective paint/tiles for the roof and external walls, energy-saving lighting for internal and external spaces, and lighting controls for common spaces.
Water
Low-flow showerheads and low-flow faucets for kitchens and bathrooms, and dual flush water closets.
Materials
In-situ waffle concrete slab for floor slabs and roof construction, medium weight hollow concrete blocks for internal and external walls and aluminum window frames.
Location
Departamento 13, Calle Antisana y Corazón de Jesús Loja, Ecuador
Stage
Final EDGE Certification
Date
October 1, 2021
Floor Space (m2)
1,907
Total CO2 Savings (annually)
14.72