Sky Blue

Sky Blue is an iconic project that has paved the way for many middle-income residential projects in Colombia to achieve certification in the near future. As the first LEEDv4.1 Residential Multifamily building in Latin America, Sky Blue has earned the LEED Earth recognition, underscoring its significance. This important distinction has attracted the attention of leaders in the construction industry and has been lauded by the local green building community. The project's bold sustainability strategies and remarkable results have been showcased in the March edition of the Chilean business magazine Negocio y Construcción and by the Chamber of Commerce of Bogota at an event focused on eco-urbanism and sustainable construction. These public appearances have made Sky Blue a beacon for local stakeholders eager to expand green building in the region.

The most important feature of the project is its contribution to decarbonization. Through a thorough bioclimatic design, which influenced site selection, building orientation and geometry, and envelope configuration, Sky Blue provides residents with comfortable and healthy indoor conditions year-round without the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems. Additionally, the façade’s window-to-wall ratio and expanded polypropylene exterior walls have helped Sky Blue achieve an outstanding energy-efficiency result of 13.8% energy savings compared to the ASHRAE 90.1-2016 benchmark.

Furthermore, the building also addresses transportation emissions. Over half of the vehicle parking spaces have EV-ready infrastructure, encouraging residents to acquire electric cars. Sky Blue also promotes non-motorized transportation by reserving prime locations near the entrance for comfortable and sufficient bicycle spaces. The project's advantageous location within walking distance of numerous services, including supermarkets, pharmacies, parks, educational facilities, and retail establishments, further reduces residents’ dependence on cars. Sky Blue’s sustainable mobility strategy is complemented by an open coworking space beside the lobby, providing building occupants with an adequate space for remote work or personal and professional projects.

Lastly, Sky Blue has revitalized the neighborhood where it is located. The project site has been transformed from deteriorated warehouses in the middle of a residential area to a beautiful building with open front gardens featuring native plants for everyone to enjoy. These gardens also contribute to restoring the area’s natural habitat and hydrological cycle. The proximity to various services fosters a strong connection between Sky Blue’s residents and the surrounding community enhancing their quality of life. The generous extension of the building’s coworking space also has the potential to be shared with the neighborhood, thereby expanding the project's sustainability benefits.

In conclusion, Sky Blue exemplifies a pioneering approach to sustainable multifamily housing in Latin America. Its innovative design, emphasis on energy efficiency, support for sustainable transportation, and positive impact on the local community make it a deserving recipient of this year’s LEED Homes award in the Multifamily category. Sky Blue not only sets a new standard for green building in Colombia but also inspires future developments to follow its lead.