Sustainable housing in marine climate (Alcudia): salt, winds and humidity

Building sustainably in Mediterranean marine climate requires specific approach balancing energy efficiency, material durability and adaptation to unique environmental conditions: salt, dominant winds and variable humidity. This guide analyzes key strategies for sustainable housing in Alcudia.

Salt challenge: protection and material selection

Salt effects on construction

• Metal corrosion: Iron, untreated steel rust 5-10 times faster
• Paint deterioration: Premature peeling on facades
• Efflorescence: White stains on stone and concrete
• Critical distance: First 500m from coast = maximum exposure

Recommended resistant materials

• Exterior carpentry: Marine lacquered aluminum (special treatment) or high quality PVC
• Hardware and locks: A4 stainless (marine grade, superior to A2)
• Railings and enclosures: A4 stainless, aluminum or tempered glass
• Cladding: Technical porcelain, sealed natural stone
• Exterior wood: Iroko, teak, elondo (tropical), treated with marine oils

Dominant winds: design and orientation

Winds in Alcudia

• Tramontana (North): Cold and dry, frequent 40-60 km/h, gusts 80+ km/h
• Embat (South): Sea breeze, gentle, cools in summer
• Poniente (West): Occasional, may bring rain
• Levante (East): Rare in Alcudia (protected by Victoria peninsula)

Anti-wind design strategies

• Main orientation: South/Southwest (protected from tramontana)
• Plant screens: Cypresses, pines on north side (wind barrier)
• Protective walls: Traditional marés in most exposed areas
• Covered porches: Creates protected microclimates
• Windows: Double glazing with chamber >16mm (wind acoustic insulation)

Humidity management: ventilation and insulation

Humidity sources

• Environmental: 60-80% RH in winter (sea breeze)
• Condensation: Thermal bridges, poorly insulated windows
• Capillarity: Humidity rise from foundations (if no barrier)

Construction solutions

• Damp barrier: Polyethylene sheet at wall base (essential)
• Cross ventilation: Design with natural air currents
• VMC (Controlled Mechanical Ventilation): Extracts humidity without thermal loss
• Exterior insulation (SATE): Avoids thermal bridges, reduces condensation
• Ventilated chamber: In facades and roofs

Energy efficiency adapted to climate

Efficient HVAC

• Aerothermal: Optimal performance with Mallorca's mild climate (COP 3-4)
• Solar orientation: Maximize winter gains, protect in summer
• Thermal inertia: Thick walls (30-40 cm) regulate temperature
• Solar protection: Adjustable pergolas, exterior louvers

Passive systems (no energy consumption)

• Solar chimney: Hot air extraction by convection
• Interior patio: Creates cool microclimate in summer
• Strategic vegetation: Deciduous trees (summer shade, winter sun)
• Light pavements: Reflect heat, reduce exterior temperature

Water management: critical resource

Capture and storage

• Rainwater tank: 30-50 m³ (irrigation + WC use)
• Greywater reuse: Basic treatment for irrigation
• Saving devices: Aerator taps, showers <9L/min
• Efficient irrigation: Automated drip, low-consumption species

Additional investment vs standard housing

Sustainability extra costs

• Marine materials: +8-12% over standard materials
• Reinforced insulation: +€15,000-25,000 (200 m² villa)
• Aerothermal: +€12,000-20,000 vs basic system
• Rainwater collection: +€8,000-15,000 (tank + filters)
• Total extra cost: 15-20% over traditional construction

ROI (return on investment)

• Energy savings: 40-60% annual bills
• Durability: Materials last 2-3× longer (less replacement)
• Appreciation: Sustainable homes +10-15% market value
• Payback: 8-12 years (recover extra investment)

Conclusion: sustainability adapted to environment

Sustainability in marine climate is not applying standard recipes, but adapting solutions to specific context: materials resisting salt, orientations leveraging breezes and mitigating tramontana, intelligent management of ambient humidity. Result is housing that lasts longer, spends less and is worth more.