CCCR: Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica
EDGE Advanced
Developed by Costa Rica’s Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), the CCCR: Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica is Costa Rica’s first convention center. The iconic new building hosts conferences, exhibitions, and social and corporate events, located eight kilometers from Juan Santamaría International Airport and 10 kilometers from San José’s downtown, with easy access from the General Cañas Highway.
The project epitomizes ICT’s commitment to environmental sustainability through its resource-efficient and beautifully rendered design, which includes an interior garden space and abundant natural light. To reduce water use, the facility benefits from a rainwater harvesting system and a water treatment system that reuses the building and its neighbors’ wastewater for irrigation. The convention center also boasts a state-of-the-art air conditioning system and refractory glass to lessen solar incidence and reduce energy consumption.
Gensler, an EDGE Champion and the architectural design firm for the project, has provided the following details:
“An elliptical, vaulted space marks the highlight of the architectural expression. A white aluminum scrim subtly expresses the tropical rain forest through a perforated pattern. A monumental bronze wonder piece by renowned Costarican-Italian artist Jorge Jimenez Deredia greets visitors in the main lobby. The floor pattern, built with local terrazzo in a colorful array, draws inspiration from the craft of tradition oxcart wheels, which are an intrinsic part of the Costa Rican peasant culture.
Terracotta louvers protect the south facing pre-function space, with views towards the lush gardens. Seven small executive meeting rooms represent each province in the country. Inside the main 5,000 square-meter event hall, daylight harvesting solar tubes illuminate translucent fabric sails, providing a unique aesthetic that further connects visitors to nature.”
CCCR: Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica has received final EDGE certification from the Green Building Council Costa Rica.
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 roof; insulation of roof; energy-efficient air conditioning with water-cooled chiller; variable frequency drives in AHUs; pumps with variable speed drives; energy-saving lighting in internal and external spaces, and occupancy sensors.
Water
Low-flow plumbing fixtures for washbasins and kitchens; dual flush water closets and water-efficient urinals; and a rainwater harvesting system.
Materials
Hollow-core precast floor slabs; steel sheets (zinc or galvanized iron) on steel rafters for roof; polymeric render on concrete blocks for external walls; medium weight hollow concrete blocks and plasterboards on metal studs with insulation for internal walls; and terrazzo tiles for flooring.
Location
Frente a Residencial Arcos Barreal Ulloa, Heredia 40104 Costa Rica
Stage
Final EDGE Certification
Date
February 1, 2019
Floor Space (m2)
16,057
Total CO2 Savings (annually)
188.7
Client Details
Certified By
Green Building Council Costa Rica