A dynamic development in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) has been observed in recent ye... more A dynamic development in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) has been observed in recent years. One of the manifestations of this trend is the integration of photovoltaic cells with tensile membrane structures, including canopies. Such solutions bring mutual benefits—the roofs provide a potentially large area for the application of photovoltaic cells while contributing to the improvement of the energy efficiency of the building. However, what is lacking is thorough research on the most favourable photovoltaic cell exposure within these roofs. This paper investigates the optimal position of photovoltaic cells in terms of energy gains related to exposure to solar radiation. Hypar geometries were simulated as the most characteristic of tensile membrane roofs and, simultaneously, the least obvious in the research context. Simulations were performed for 54 roof samples with the following geometric variables: roof height (1.0, 3.0 m) and membrane prestress (1:3, 1:1, 3:1). The resea...
Historical buildings are often energy inefficient. Renewable energy sources can be implemented in... more Historical buildings are often energy inefficient. Renewable energy sources can be implemented in the refurbishment projects in order to cover the high-energy consumption with sustainable sources. The paper presents the results obtained in the FP7 Project EFFESUS on the architectural integration of PV systems in the historic city center of Santiago de Compostela. In this case, one of the most challenging issue was the preservation of the original form and value of the historic district, considering the rules of local legislations and policies. According to these rules, the building stock has been classified in specific levels of constraint in order to define the compatible retrofit interventions for each level. The study has been supported by historical analysis, visual tests and heritage information of the Santiago GIS Data System. From these data the roof surfaces where the installation of PV system is deemed compatible with conservation constraints has been estimated. This study ...
The research has been conducted in the European Research Project “Energy efficiency of EU histori... more The research has been conducted in the European Research Project “Energy efficiency of EU historic district sustainability” (EFFESUS), which aims at developing solutions and tools for improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings and districts, respecting their heritage value. The paper aims at assessing the thermal performance and the conservation compatibility of an advanced aerogel insulation and a radiation selective coating, applied to typical historic masonries respectively in cold and hot climates. First, we verified the thermal behavior of the insulation material made by polyester fiber and aerogel dust, using both laboratory tests and thermal simulations. This material has been developed to be blown into the air cavities of historic solid masonries, to optimize the thermal insulation in terms of energy benefits, reduction of used space, easy installation, minimum disruption, and reversibility of the intervention. The steady state thermal performance of a large scale...
IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering
The integration between solar energy systems and building components is highly critical in sensit... more The integration between solar energy systems and building components is highly critical in sensitive heritage contexts. On the one hand there is the need for finding a balance between the preservation of the aesthetic appearance and the historical values, but on the other hand, finding the space where to effectively integrate the systems might be quite challenging. The solar systems can be divided in photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal (ST) systems. Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and Building Integrated Solar Thermal (BIST) are PV or ST panels integrated into the building envelope, combining the energy generation with other functions, such as noise, weather protection, thermal insulation, sun shadow, and other aspects. Nowadays, the dynamism of the market allows to design highly compatible products which look like traditional architecture materials. This situation fosters the integration of these products in the BIPV and BIST systems within the heritage sites, especially t...
The integration between solar energy systems and building components is highly critical in sensit... more The integration between solar energy systems and building components is highly critical in sensitive heritage contexts. On the one hand there is the need for finding a balance between the preservation of the aesthetic appearance and the historical values, but on the other hand, finding the space where to effectively integrate the systems might be quite challenging. The solar systems can be divided in photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal (ST) systems. Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and Building Integrated Solar Thermal (BIST) are PV or ST panels integrated into the building envelope, combining the energy generation with other functions, such as noise, weather protection, thermal insulation, sun shadow, and other aspects. Nowadays, the dynamism of the market allows to design highly compatible products which look like traditional architecture materials. This situation fosters the integration of these products in the BIPV and BIST systems within the heritage sites, especially t...
The hygrothermal behaviour of an internally insulated historic wall is still hard to predict, mai... more The hygrothermal behaviour of an internally insulated historic wall is still hard to predict, mainly because the physical characteristics of the materials composing the historic wall are unknown. In this study, the hygrothermal assessment of an internally thermal insulated masonry wall of an historic palace located in Ferrara, in Italy, is shown. In situ non-destructive monitoring method is combined with a hygrothermal simulation tool, aiming to better analyse and discuss future refurbishment scenarios. In this context, the original U-value of the wall (not refurbished) is decreased from 1.44 W/m2K to 0.26 W/m2K (10 cm stone wool). Under the site specific conditions of this wall, not reached by the sun or rain, it was verified that even in the absence of vapour barrier, no frost damage is likely to occur and the condensation risk is very limited. Authors proposed further discussion based on simulation. The results showed that the introduction of a second gypsum board to the studied ...
The main purpose of the HeLLo project is to contribute to data available on the literature on the... more The main purpose of the HeLLo project is to contribute to data available on the literature on the real hygrothermal behavior of historic walls and the suitability of insulation technologies. Furthermore, it also aims at minimizing the energy simulation errors at the design phase and at improving their conservation features. In this framework, one of the preliminary activities of the study is the creation of a real in situ hot box to measure and analyze different insulation technologies applied to a real historic wall, to quantify the hygrothermal performance of a masonry building. Inside this box, ‘traditional’ experiments can be carried out: recording heat flux, surface temperature, and air temperatures, as well as relative humidity values through the use of a new sensing system (composed of thermocouples and temperature/relative humidity combined sensors). Within this paper, the process of development, construction, and validation of this new metering box is exhibited. The new hot...
The hygrothermal behaviour of an internally insulated historic wall is still hard to predict, mai... more The hygrothermal behaviour of an internally insulated historic wall is still hard to predict, mainly because the physical characteristics of the materials composing the historic wall are unknown. In this study, the hygrothermal assessment of an internally thermal insulated masonry wall of an historic palace located in Ferrara, in Italy, is shown. In situ non-destructive monitoring method is combined with a hygrothermal simulation tool, aiming to better analyse and discuss future refurbishment scenarios. In this context, the original U-value of the wall (not refurbished) is decreased from 1.44 W/m 2 K to 0.26 W/m 2 K (10 cm stone wool). Under the site specific conditions of this wall, not reached by the sun or rain, it was verified that even in the absence of vapour barrier, no frost damage is likely to occur and the condensation risk is very limited. Authors proposed further discussion based on simulation. The results showed that the introduction of a second gypsum board to the stud...
The main purpose of the HeLLo project is to contribute to data available on the literature on the... more The main purpose of the HeLLo project is to contribute to data available on the literature on the real hygrothermal behavior of historic walls and the suitability of insulation technologies. Furthermore, it also aims at minimizing the energy simulation errors at the design phase and at improving their conservation features. In this framework, one of the preliminary activities of the study is the creation of a real in situ hot box to measure and analyze different insulation technologies applied to a real historic wall, to quantify the hygrothermal performance of a masonry building. Inside this box, 'traditional' experiments can be carried out: recording heat flux, surface temperature, and air temperatures, as well as relative humidity values through the use of a new sensing system (composed of thermocouples and temperature/relative humidity combined sensors). Within this paper, the process of development, construction, and validation of this new metering box is exhibited. The...
This article aims to properly assess the hygrothermal properties of walls located in historic bui... more This article aims to properly assess the hygrothermal properties of walls located in historic buildings, this study discloses the development of a remote sensing technology compatible with an in-situ measurement implemented in Palazzo Tassoni (Italy). As required by the international recommendations adapted to cultural heritage (CH), this monitoring system balances CH conservation, performance aspects and economic costs using an integrated multidisciplinary approach. Electronics for measurement of environmental parameters is composed of sensor measurements, data acquisition system and data storage and communication system. Data acquisition system, equipped with standard modbus-rtu interface, is designed to run standalone and it is based on two cloned single board PCs to reduce the possibility of data loss. In order to reduce the costs, RaspberryPI single board PCs were chosen. These run a C/C++ software based on standard modbus library and designed to implement multi-client server T...
Two infrared reflective coatings recently developed as part of the EFFESUS European 26 research p... more Two infrared reflective coatings recently developed as part of the EFFESUS European 26 research project are characterized and evaluated in this paper. Thermal performance, 27 durability, compatibility with historic fabric, and reversibility are all analysed. The results of 28 extensive research that include laboratory analysis of selected substrates, measurements on a 29 large-scale traditional masonry mock-up, thermodynamic simulations, and finally application 30 in to a real historic building in Istanbul, all support the potential of the new coatings to 31 improve the thermal performance of historic buildings, in keeping with their visual integrity 32 and cultural value. Besides their reflective properties, proven by the thermal stress reductions 33 on the treated surfaces, the new coatings are characterized by low visual impact, easy 34 application, material compatibility, and reversibility after application, as well as durability 35 over time.
Abstract The Directive 2010/31 UE (EBPD) introduced the “Nearly Zero Energy Buildings” linked to ... more Abstract The Directive 2010/31 UE (EBPD) introduced the “Nearly Zero Energy Buildings” linked to cost optimality, where energy benefits are related to economic benefits. The “Cost Optimality” methodology is applicable both to new and existing buildings, as introduced in the Regulation 244/2012. This methodology was largely applied to existing building, but the literature on historic buildings lacks. However, given the potential of energy retrofit of this kind of buildings, it would be appropriate to develop a specific methodology for the economic valorization of the heritage, considering also the conservation and the historic value of the patrimony. In fact, on the one hand this methodology could be useful for the “energy valorization” of a historic building in relation to the minimum requirements of European and national legislations and budgets. However, on the other hand, we noted the absence of shared information at national level and examples of the “historic reference buildings”. For this reason, case studies on historic buildings become an important starting point to create common typological and repeat-able models for applying this methodology. This research aims at evaluating the economic benefits of energy retrofit of a traditional historic masonry, using the “Cost Optimality” methodology. This method is structured into the following parts: (i) definition of the type of masonry; (ii) selection of the insulation systems; (iii) assessment of the energy benefits related to the insertion of various insulation materials; (iv) evaluation of the Life Cycle Costing; (v) evaluation of the optimal insulation performance and cost-effectiveness; and (vi) comparison of energy consumption and Life Cycle Cost to de-fine the most appropriate interventions for the historic wall.
Research and development of cost-effective, high-performance thermal insulation materials for the... more Research and development of cost-effective, high-performance thermal insulation materials for the construction sector has to be focused on their final application. In particular, solutions for refurbishing historic buildings, which represent 40% of the European building stock, have to offer a good compromise between environmental quality, energy efficiency and conservation aspects. In this paper, the experimental assessment of an insulation material based on aerogel technology, recently developed in the European project EFFESUS, is presented with regard to the material's thermal performance, compatibility with historic fabric and reversibility. The overall results obtained in laboratory testing on a real-size mock-up and in a real-world case application indicate that the new material is a promising solution for retrofitting historic buildings, thanks to its thermal properties, easy application, reversibility and material compatibility.
Abstract When deciding on the best historic building retrofit, energy savings and thermal comfort... more Abstract When deciding on the best historic building retrofit, energy savings and thermal comfort can be quantitatively evaluated using an energy model, whereas conservation compatibility is intrinsically qualitative and reflects the perspective of the local heritage authority. We present a methodology that permits finding and comparing optimal retrofits for historic buildings in a multi-perspective and quantitative way. We use an analytic hierarchy process to quantify conservation compatibility by distilling a conservation score from the opinions of 10 experts in the field. This score, along with energy needs for heating and cooling and thermal comfort, are the three targets of a multi-objective optimization aimed at identifying optimal retrofits for a medieval building in the north of Italy, destined to become a museum. Retrofit measures considered were different kinds of external and internal envelope insulation, improvement of airtightness, replacement of windows, and ventilative cooling. The result is a portfolio of optimal retrofits that cover the whole range of conservation compatibility. We show that in the analyzed case heritage preservation is compatible with a four-fold reduction in energy needs at a high thermal comfort level. Even higher energy savings are only achievable at the cost of heritage degradation.
The paper presents the studies realised on the " Portici " Houses, a part of the histor... more The paper presents the studies realised on the " Portici " Houses, a part of the historic Centre of Bolzano, built at the end of the 12 th century. This characteristic architectural typology is composed by a system of houses with narrow facades and a continuous arcade on the front. The serial repetition of this type of building forms a constant structure, interrupted only by a system of atria that provide daylight and fresh air to the dwellings. The surface-to-volume ratio, the dimensions of the courtyards, the presence of internal shadowing , the thermal inertia of walls and cellars, and the colour of the surface finishing have a positive influence on heating and cooling demand of the buildings. Unfortunately, more recently, the users have altered the historic energy system with roofs and canopies to improve comfort and to protect from sun and water. This situation has completely changed the original energy and environmental behaviour. The study aims to restore the origin...
The paper presents the outcome of an experimental research that defines a method for evaluating e... more The paper presents the outcome of an experimental research that defines a method for evaluating energetic and environmental performances and for proposing the more appropriate retrofit actions in existing buildings. The scheme was tested in a residential zone sited in the surrounding of Milan. Once it was an important example of “social housing” in the city. The quarter was constructed in 1963 as a “garden city”, with strong integration between residential and commercial functions. The planning is based on rational design, characterised by a balance of green and built areas.
The paper presents the results of the studies realised on FP7 European Project EFFESUS that aims ... more The paper presents the results of the studies realised on FP7 European Project EFFESUS that aims to reduce the environmental impact on urban heritage, making significant improvements to its energy efficiency, conserving and promoting cultural, historic, and architectural values. The energy and environmental assessment realised in the " Portici " Houses, a part of the historic Centre of Bolzano built at the end of the 12th century, is presented. The original house is a courthouse with arbours lined up continuously along the road axis. The atrium provides daylight and fresh air to the internal dwellings. Unfortunately, more recently the users have inserted roofs to protect from sun and water. This situation has completely changed the original energy behaviour. The project aims to restore the original energy concept in order to adapt it to the modern requirements. The energy retrofitting starts from a thorough understanding of the behaviour of the ancient buildings, supported...
A dynamic development in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) has been observed in recent ye... more A dynamic development in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) has been observed in recent years. One of the manifestations of this trend is the integration of photovoltaic cells with tensile membrane structures, including canopies. Such solutions bring mutual benefits—the roofs provide a potentially large area for the application of photovoltaic cells while contributing to the improvement of the energy efficiency of the building. However, what is lacking is thorough research on the most favourable photovoltaic cell exposure within these roofs. This paper investigates the optimal position of photovoltaic cells in terms of energy gains related to exposure to solar radiation. Hypar geometries were simulated as the most characteristic of tensile membrane roofs and, simultaneously, the least obvious in the research context. Simulations were performed for 54 roof samples with the following geometric variables: roof height (1.0, 3.0 m) and membrane prestress (1:3, 1:1, 3:1). The resea...
Historical buildings are often energy inefficient. Renewable energy sources can be implemented in... more Historical buildings are often energy inefficient. Renewable energy sources can be implemented in the refurbishment projects in order to cover the high-energy consumption with sustainable sources. The paper presents the results obtained in the FP7 Project EFFESUS on the architectural integration of PV systems in the historic city center of Santiago de Compostela. In this case, one of the most challenging issue was the preservation of the original form and value of the historic district, considering the rules of local legislations and policies. According to these rules, the building stock has been classified in specific levels of constraint in order to define the compatible retrofit interventions for each level. The study has been supported by historical analysis, visual tests and heritage information of the Santiago GIS Data System. From these data the roof surfaces where the installation of PV system is deemed compatible with conservation constraints has been estimated. This study ...
The research has been conducted in the European Research Project “Energy efficiency of EU histori... more The research has been conducted in the European Research Project “Energy efficiency of EU historic district sustainability” (EFFESUS), which aims at developing solutions and tools for improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings and districts, respecting their heritage value. The paper aims at assessing the thermal performance and the conservation compatibility of an advanced aerogel insulation and a radiation selective coating, applied to typical historic masonries respectively in cold and hot climates. First, we verified the thermal behavior of the insulation material made by polyester fiber and aerogel dust, using both laboratory tests and thermal simulations. This material has been developed to be blown into the air cavities of historic solid masonries, to optimize the thermal insulation in terms of energy benefits, reduction of used space, easy installation, minimum disruption, and reversibility of the intervention. The steady state thermal performance of a large scale...
IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering
The integration between solar energy systems and building components is highly critical in sensit... more The integration between solar energy systems and building components is highly critical in sensitive heritage contexts. On the one hand there is the need for finding a balance between the preservation of the aesthetic appearance and the historical values, but on the other hand, finding the space where to effectively integrate the systems might be quite challenging. The solar systems can be divided in photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal (ST) systems. Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and Building Integrated Solar Thermal (BIST) are PV or ST panels integrated into the building envelope, combining the energy generation with other functions, such as noise, weather protection, thermal insulation, sun shadow, and other aspects. Nowadays, the dynamism of the market allows to design highly compatible products which look like traditional architecture materials. This situation fosters the integration of these products in the BIPV and BIST systems within the heritage sites, especially t...
The integration between solar energy systems and building components is highly critical in sensit... more The integration between solar energy systems and building components is highly critical in sensitive heritage contexts. On the one hand there is the need for finding a balance between the preservation of the aesthetic appearance and the historical values, but on the other hand, finding the space where to effectively integrate the systems might be quite challenging. The solar systems can be divided in photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal (ST) systems. Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and Building Integrated Solar Thermal (BIST) are PV or ST panels integrated into the building envelope, combining the energy generation with other functions, such as noise, weather protection, thermal insulation, sun shadow, and other aspects. Nowadays, the dynamism of the market allows to design highly compatible products which look like traditional architecture materials. This situation fosters the integration of these products in the BIPV and BIST systems within the heritage sites, especially t...
The hygrothermal behaviour of an internally insulated historic wall is still hard to predict, mai... more The hygrothermal behaviour of an internally insulated historic wall is still hard to predict, mainly because the physical characteristics of the materials composing the historic wall are unknown. In this study, the hygrothermal assessment of an internally thermal insulated masonry wall of an historic palace located in Ferrara, in Italy, is shown. In situ non-destructive monitoring method is combined with a hygrothermal simulation tool, aiming to better analyse and discuss future refurbishment scenarios. In this context, the original U-value of the wall (not refurbished) is decreased from 1.44 W/m2K to 0.26 W/m2K (10 cm stone wool). Under the site specific conditions of this wall, not reached by the sun or rain, it was verified that even in the absence of vapour barrier, no frost damage is likely to occur and the condensation risk is very limited. Authors proposed further discussion based on simulation. The results showed that the introduction of a second gypsum board to the studied ...
The main purpose of the HeLLo project is to contribute to data available on the literature on the... more The main purpose of the HeLLo project is to contribute to data available on the literature on the real hygrothermal behavior of historic walls and the suitability of insulation technologies. Furthermore, it also aims at minimizing the energy simulation errors at the design phase and at improving their conservation features. In this framework, one of the preliminary activities of the study is the creation of a real in situ hot box to measure and analyze different insulation technologies applied to a real historic wall, to quantify the hygrothermal performance of a masonry building. Inside this box, ‘traditional’ experiments can be carried out: recording heat flux, surface temperature, and air temperatures, as well as relative humidity values through the use of a new sensing system (composed of thermocouples and temperature/relative humidity combined sensors). Within this paper, the process of development, construction, and validation of this new metering box is exhibited. The new hot...
The hygrothermal behaviour of an internally insulated historic wall is still hard to predict, mai... more The hygrothermal behaviour of an internally insulated historic wall is still hard to predict, mainly because the physical characteristics of the materials composing the historic wall are unknown. In this study, the hygrothermal assessment of an internally thermal insulated masonry wall of an historic palace located in Ferrara, in Italy, is shown. In situ non-destructive monitoring method is combined with a hygrothermal simulation tool, aiming to better analyse and discuss future refurbishment scenarios. In this context, the original U-value of the wall (not refurbished) is decreased from 1.44 W/m 2 K to 0.26 W/m 2 K (10 cm stone wool). Under the site specific conditions of this wall, not reached by the sun or rain, it was verified that even in the absence of vapour barrier, no frost damage is likely to occur and the condensation risk is very limited. Authors proposed further discussion based on simulation. The results showed that the introduction of a second gypsum board to the stud...
The main purpose of the HeLLo project is to contribute to data available on the literature on the... more The main purpose of the HeLLo project is to contribute to data available on the literature on the real hygrothermal behavior of historic walls and the suitability of insulation technologies. Furthermore, it also aims at minimizing the energy simulation errors at the design phase and at improving their conservation features. In this framework, one of the preliminary activities of the study is the creation of a real in situ hot box to measure and analyze different insulation technologies applied to a real historic wall, to quantify the hygrothermal performance of a masonry building. Inside this box, 'traditional' experiments can be carried out: recording heat flux, surface temperature, and air temperatures, as well as relative humidity values through the use of a new sensing system (composed of thermocouples and temperature/relative humidity combined sensors). Within this paper, the process of development, construction, and validation of this new metering box is exhibited. The...
This article aims to properly assess the hygrothermal properties of walls located in historic bui... more This article aims to properly assess the hygrothermal properties of walls located in historic buildings, this study discloses the development of a remote sensing technology compatible with an in-situ measurement implemented in Palazzo Tassoni (Italy). As required by the international recommendations adapted to cultural heritage (CH), this monitoring system balances CH conservation, performance aspects and economic costs using an integrated multidisciplinary approach. Electronics for measurement of environmental parameters is composed of sensor measurements, data acquisition system and data storage and communication system. Data acquisition system, equipped with standard modbus-rtu interface, is designed to run standalone and it is based on two cloned single board PCs to reduce the possibility of data loss. In order to reduce the costs, RaspberryPI single board PCs were chosen. These run a C/C++ software based on standard modbus library and designed to implement multi-client server T...
Two infrared reflective coatings recently developed as part of the EFFESUS European 26 research p... more Two infrared reflective coatings recently developed as part of the EFFESUS European 26 research project are characterized and evaluated in this paper. Thermal performance, 27 durability, compatibility with historic fabric, and reversibility are all analysed. The results of 28 extensive research that include laboratory analysis of selected substrates, measurements on a 29 large-scale traditional masonry mock-up, thermodynamic simulations, and finally application 30 in to a real historic building in Istanbul, all support the potential of the new coatings to 31 improve the thermal performance of historic buildings, in keeping with their visual integrity 32 and cultural value. Besides their reflective properties, proven by the thermal stress reductions 33 on the treated surfaces, the new coatings are characterized by low visual impact, easy 34 application, material compatibility, and reversibility after application, as well as durability 35 over time.
Abstract The Directive 2010/31 UE (EBPD) introduced the “Nearly Zero Energy Buildings” linked to ... more Abstract The Directive 2010/31 UE (EBPD) introduced the “Nearly Zero Energy Buildings” linked to cost optimality, where energy benefits are related to economic benefits. The “Cost Optimality” methodology is applicable both to new and existing buildings, as introduced in the Regulation 244/2012. This methodology was largely applied to existing building, but the literature on historic buildings lacks. However, given the potential of energy retrofit of this kind of buildings, it would be appropriate to develop a specific methodology for the economic valorization of the heritage, considering also the conservation and the historic value of the patrimony. In fact, on the one hand this methodology could be useful for the “energy valorization” of a historic building in relation to the minimum requirements of European and national legislations and budgets. However, on the other hand, we noted the absence of shared information at national level and examples of the “historic reference buildings”. For this reason, case studies on historic buildings become an important starting point to create common typological and repeat-able models for applying this methodology. This research aims at evaluating the economic benefits of energy retrofit of a traditional historic masonry, using the “Cost Optimality” methodology. This method is structured into the following parts: (i) definition of the type of masonry; (ii) selection of the insulation systems; (iii) assessment of the energy benefits related to the insertion of various insulation materials; (iv) evaluation of the Life Cycle Costing; (v) evaluation of the optimal insulation performance and cost-effectiveness; and (vi) comparison of energy consumption and Life Cycle Cost to de-fine the most appropriate interventions for the historic wall.
Research and development of cost-effective, high-performance thermal insulation materials for the... more Research and development of cost-effective, high-performance thermal insulation materials for the construction sector has to be focused on their final application. In particular, solutions for refurbishing historic buildings, which represent 40% of the European building stock, have to offer a good compromise between environmental quality, energy efficiency and conservation aspects. In this paper, the experimental assessment of an insulation material based on aerogel technology, recently developed in the European project EFFESUS, is presented with regard to the material's thermal performance, compatibility with historic fabric and reversibility. The overall results obtained in laboratory testing on a real-size mock-up and in a real-world case application indicate that the new material is a promising solution for retrofitting historic buildings, thanks to its thermal properties, easy application, reversibility and material compatibility.
Abstract When deciding on the best historic building retrofit, energy savings and thermal comfort... more Abstract When deciding on the best historic building retrofit, energy savings and thermal comfort can be quantitatively evaluated using an energy model, whereas conservation compatibility is intrinsically qualitative and reflects the perspective of the local heritage authority. We present a methodology that permits finding and comparing optimal retrofits for historic buildings in a multi-perspective and quantitative way. We use an analytic hierarchy process to quantify conservation compatibility by distilling a conservation score from the opinions of 10 experts in the field. This score, along with energy needs for heating and cooling and thermal comfort, are the three targets of a multi-objective optimization aimed at identifying optimal retrofits for a medieval building in the north of Italy, destined to become a museum. Retrofit measures considered were different kinds of external and internal envelope insulation, improvement of airtightness, replacement of windows, and ventilative cooling. The result is a portfolio of optimal retrofits that cover the whole range of conservation compatibility. We show that in the analyzed case heritage preservation is compatible with a four-fold reduction in energy needs at a high thermal comfort level. Even higher energy savings are only achievable at the cost of heritage degradation.
The paper presents the studies realised on the " Portici " Houses, a part of the histor... more The paper presents the studies realised on the " Portici " Houses, a part of the historic Centre of Bolzano, built at the end of the 12 th century. This characteristic architectural typology is composed by a system of houses with narrow facades and a continuous arcade on the front. The serial repetition of this type of building forms a constant structure, interrupted only by a system of atria that provide daylight and fresh air to the dwellings. The surface-to-volume ratio, the dimensions of the courtyards, the presence of internal shadowing , the thermal inertia of walls and cellars, and the colour of the surface finishing have a positive influence on heating and cooling demand of the buildings. Unfortunately, more recently, the users have altered the historic energy system with roofs and canopies to improve comfort and to protect from sun and water. This situation has completely changed the original energy and environmental behaviour. The study aims to restore the origin...
The paper presents the outcome of an experimental research that defines a method for evaluating e... more The paper presents the outcome of an experimental research that defines a method for evaluating energetic and environmental performances and for proposing the more appropriate retrofit actions in existing buildings. The scheme was tested in a residential zone sited in the surrounding of Milan. Once it was an important example of “social housing” in the city. The quarter was constructed in 1963 as a “garden city”, with strong integration between residential and commercial functions. The planning is based on rational design, characterised by a balance of green and built areas.
The paper presents the results of the studies realised on FP7 European Project EFFESUS that aims ... more The paper presents the results of the studies realised on FP7 European Project EFFESUS that aims to reduce the environmental impact on urban heritage, making significant improvements to its energy efficiency, conserving and promoting cultural, historic, and architectural values. The energy and environmental assessment realised in the " Portici " Houses, a part of the historic Centre of Bolzano built at the end of the 12th century, is presented. The original house is a courthouse with arbours lined up continuously along the road axis. The atrium provides daylight and fresh air to the internal dwellings. Unfortunately, more recently the users have inserted roofs to protect from sun and water. This situation has completely changed the original energy behaviour. The project aims to restore the original energy concept in order to adapt it to the modern requirements. The energy retrofitting starts from a thorough understanding of the behaviour of the ancient buildings, supported...
Uploads
Papers by Elena Lucchi