After 150 years of its execution and in the 21st century, the idea of ​​Casa Baranku' is to continue being a refuge as it once was, promoting self-consumption and the maximum use of natural resources. Rainwater, sun and wind are fundamental elements in the bioclimatic architecture that is so needed today to minimize our impact on the planet. These elements have always defined the architecture of this construction in the past and after its recent recovery they will continue to do so in the present and future. Simply with architecture the necessary comfort is achieved with the minimum consumption.
Thanks to the thick stone walls, in winter the heat that a wood stove can generate inside is retained for longer and, on the other hand, in summer it is cooler, without the need for air conditioning. This temperature difference, known as thermal inertia, is the main characteristic for this type of construction.
Cross ventilation, through openings of different formats on opposite façades, is also a resource that has been used in this building to generate air currents in summer and prevent condensation or accumulation of humidity inside the house. To improve these thermal conditions or thermal comfort both in summer and winter, the original organic materials and finishes have been applied, such as white lime or sand, being contrasted natural temperature regulators.
With a wood stove (in winter) and a ceiling fan (in summer) a state of optimal comfort is achieved, in case of extreme temperatures, being additional measures.
And another resource is rainwater, which is also used for self-consumption, channeling it from the roof to an old existing cistern, under the house. With this water, part of the farm is irrigated and the entire sanitary chamber works.
All these mechanisms are an update of what was already Casa Baranku' in 1870, only now another stage begins, with new itinerant occupants and new stories that give this passive construction a long life.