Top of the class for sustainability

Situated across two main campuses, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in Spain has a strong international profile, attracting students from around the world. Known for its high academic demand and stringent admission requirements – the university’s reputation for quality is also carried through to its facilities and campuses.

Mace was appointed as project manager on the university’s new postgraduate building, the first step in the expansion of the Getafe campus. Mace worked closely with the main contractor and design team to achieve the high standards demanded by the university and to keep the project to budget.

The new building integrates a library, classrooms and offices and is made up of several wings extending out from a central foyer. It also boasts a bespoke and expansive façade of ventilated ceramic panels.

The impressive design is more than just looks with sustainability measures incorporated throughout the building to achieve maximum energy efficiency. This has included thermal and acoustic insulation, an intelligent climate control system and geothermal wells. This eco-friendly approach led the building to be awarded LEED Platinum certification for sustainability, the first university building in Spain to achieve this feat.