Energy simulation, natural ventilation and passive optimisation in an urban sports pavilion.

The new Pavelló Illa, located in the heart of Barcelona’s Les Corts district, is a sports facility promoted by BIMSA that combines contemporary architecture, urban integration, and special attention to user comfort. The project, by Anna Noguera Arquitectura & AIA Arquitectura, is characterised by a light volume wrapped in a green façade and translucent polycarbonate panels that function as a bioclimatic filter and a visual landmark.

Praxis developed a full thermal and energy simulation study using DesignBuilder–EnergyPlus, modelling the building’s dynamic behaviour throughout the year. The scope included a bioclimatic design study, assessment of the thermal envelope, detailed modelling of natural ventilation and daylighting, as well as advanced simulations of thermal comfort and summer behaviour in the two main sports courts.

One of the project’s critical aspects was ensuring comfort in a large-volume, high‑use building without resorting to oversized mechanical solutions. To achieve this, natural ventilation strategies were studied in depth, including pressure‑driven flow and stack effect between façade and roof openings. Simulations showed that, especially in one of the sports halls, average rates of up to 2.7 air changes per hour could be achieved in summer, significantly reducing overheating risk.

The thermal impact of the green façade was also evaluated, modelling its monthly light transmission factor and its contribution to seasonal shading. Additional solar protection strategies were analysed, such as vertical and horizontal louvres and the incorporation of solar‑control glazing.

The study also included a quantitative analysis of operational hours with temperatures outside the target range (≤14°C and ≥26°C), providing the design team with key data for decision‑making.

The result is a building optimised from a passive design perspective, energy‑efficient and future‑ready, demonstrating how the combination of architecture and advanced simulation can enhance the performance and user experience of urban sports facilities.

Read our blog post about the project