A new stage in urban architecture development
Benidorm, known as Spain’s hub for high-rise living, is preparing for a major renovation of two residential towers. For the first time in the country, building façades will be entirely clad in glass integrated with solar elements. The project involves the Club Médico VI and VII complexes, each 17 stories tall. The initiative is being carried out by experts from Solar Earth and the architectural firm Cotas Arquitectura, both specializing in the implementation of advanced technologies in construction.
Technological solutions and benefits for residents
The initiative was launched at the request of apartment owners seeking modern and eco-friendly housing. With dense urban development and limited rooftop space for conventional solar panels, engineers proposed using vertical surfaces. The new glass not only generates electricity but also provides additional thermal and sound insulation. The total glazed area will be about 1,200 square meters, enabling the production of approximately 190,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This will reduce energy costs by a third and cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 50 tons per year.
Funding and implementation challenges
The launch of the project was largely made possible by funding from the European Next Generation program, which allocated nearly 2 million euros for this work. In addition to environmental benefits, residents will be able to partially power their apartments with their own resources, reducing utility bills and increasing property values. However, experts also point out several challenges: integrating new technologies into already occupied buildings requires precise planning, and installation demands qualified specialists, who are currently in short supply in Spain. Furthermore, the cost of such modernization is higher than standard solutions, but anticipated savings and EU support make the project attractive to both investors and residents.
