The technical workshop, organized by PROVIA and conducted by SGS Tecnos, allowed for a practical demonstration of an air leakage test on an actual construction site.
Alicante, September 24, 2025 – The Pórtico Plaza I residential development, built by MPC Group on the Bulevar del Pla in Alicante, has achieved an A-rated energy efficiency classification after successfully passing a blower door air tightness test. This activity was part of a technical visit organized by PROVIA (the Association of Real Estate Developers of the Province of Alicante), and was carried out in collaboration with the specialized company SGS Tecnos, which performed the test.
The event took place at one of the apartments in the Pórtico Plaza I complex and brought together developers from various companies in the province, who were able to witness firsthand how this type of test is conducted, which is increasingly in demand in the field of energy-efficient building.
The blower door system determines the air permeability of a building or space by measuring the volume of air infiltration between the interior and exterior. A special fan is installed at the main entrance of the building, and the space is pressurized or depressurized. Any air leaks are then identified using thermal imaging cameras and harmless smoke. The test was performed according to Method B of the UNE-EN 13829:2002 standard, one of the procedures included in the Spanish Technical Building Code for evaluating the thermal envelope of buildings.
In this case, the test at the MPC Group property yielded positive results in terms of air tightness, guaranteeing lower energy consumption, greater indoor comfort, and compliance with energy efficiency regulations. The technical team at MPC Group emphasized the importance of incorporating this type of control into the construction process, stating that “passing a blower door test is a clear indication that we are building well-sealed, more efficient, and more comfortable homes for their future owners.” According to Manuel Pertusa, CEO of MPC Group, “The airtightness achieved in this building is largely due to the use of prefabricated concrete panels for both the interior and exterior walls, as well as the use of high-quality sealing materials and window and door frames. All of this has contributed to the building achieving an A energy rating, confirming its excellent thermal performance.” Furthermore, he added, “The facade system used not only improves thermal insulation, but also offers excellent acoustic performance, raising the comfort standards for the residents.”
On the other hand, Pertusa pointed out that this prefabricated construction solution addresses two current challenges in the sector: “First, the shortage of skilled labor, and second, the need to guarantee an execution free from the potential flaws that can occur in traditional construction. Prefabrication allows us to deliver a finished product to the construction site under controlled conditions, without cracks or defects.” In fact, in MPC Group’s new development, Pórtico Plaza II, which is already underway, they will take it a step further by also incorporating prefabricated bathrooms and kitchens.
The event also served to demonstrate to attendees how this type of testing contributes to improving construction quality and to identifying potential areas for improvement in the building envelope in a timely manner.
