During the first 18 months, the FuturHist consortium has made significant progress in several key areas:
Baseline Mapping: The project team gathered 150 questionnaire responses from stakeholder in 25 countries and analysed 27 retrofit projects to identify barriers and opportunities for energy renovation in historic buildings. A typology framework was established, defining nine building types and launching unified monitoring campaigns in demonstration sites across Spain, Poland, Sweden, and the UK.
Innovative Solutions: Over 170 conservation-compatible retrofit solutions for building envelopes were documented and assessed. New materials such as biochar-clay composites and prefabricated lime-based insulation panels are being developed and tested, showing promising results for energy efficiency and moisture management. Sustainable lime renders with self-healing properties and tailored window retrofit solutions were also advanced.
Active Systems and Guidelines: The project compiled a database of efficient heating, ventilation, and renewable energy systems suitable for historic buildings. Guidelines for integrating heat pumps and photovoltaic systems were created, targeting architects and building professionals.
Decision Support Toolkit: A multidimensional methodology and digital toolkit are being developed to help users identify building typologies, match compatible solutions, and evaluate retrofit options holistically. User journey interviews and stakeholder workshops have shaped the toolkit’s design, ensuring it meets real-world needs.
Demonstration and Replication: Early demonstration activities began ahead of schedule, including building surveys, monitoring system installation, and preliminary design of interventions. Workshops on replication and transferability have embedded these concepts throughout the project.
