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CORDIS

Future-proofing Heritage Buildings by Optimising Comfort and Energy in Time and Space

Project description

Holistic deep renovation approaches for climate-neutral historical neighbourhoods

The transition to climate neutrality is particularly challenging for historical cities throughout Europe wishing to safeguard their cultural heritage and identity while enhancing overall energy and environmental performance. In this context, the HeriTACE project proposes innovative solutions to future-proof heritage townhouses and historical neighbourhoods in three EU climate zones in a holistic way while preserving their heritage value, in line with the EU Green Deal and New European Bauhaus visions. These solutions include a holistic assessment model and replicable optimal design approaches for the deep renovation of heritage townhouses. The integrated approaches are supported by innovations involving durable insulation and air tightness solutions, optimised and smart HVAC concepts and integrated R²ES-based energy supply solutions for historical buildings and neighbourhoods.

Objective

The HeriTACE project brings together a transdisciplinary team of research institutes, authorities, SMEs, and industry experienced in design, technology, and policymaking in the domains of conservation, buildings and energy. A significant increase in deep renovations of heritage buildings has the potential to lead to effective energy demand reductions and readiness for the transition to R2ES. Based on prior research and field knowledge supported by various EU and national projects, bottlenecks have been identified that prevent the futureproofing of heritage buildings and its replication. To overcome them, HeriTACE proposes innovative technical solutions, integrated into a holistic and multi-scale renovation approach, by developing and validating: (1) A replicable holistic assessment model and standardised processes to create a holistic vision and plan on the renovation requirements for heritage townhouses in historical neighbourhoods, (2) Optimal and integrated design approaches for the deep renovation of heritage townhouses, with well-considered, targeted and minimal invasive renovation measures, (3) Durable insulation and air tightness solutions for the renovation of building envelopes, respecting their heritage values and traditional building technology, (4) Optimised and smart controlled HVAC-concepts adapted to heritage townhouses, optimising comfort, and indoor air quality precisely where and when the building users need it, and (5) Integrated R²ES-based energy supply solutions, maximising the share of local R²ES in heritage buildings within historical neighbourhoods. The project will deliver solutions for authorities and designers to envision and govern a sustainable energy future for heritage townhouses in historical neighbourhoods, thus putting the EU Green Deal and New European Bauhaus into practice. Close collaboration between researchers, SMEs and industry shall increase the availability of high-quality solutions for the building conservation sector.

Coordinator

UNIVERSITEIT GENT
Net EU contribution
€ 936 875,00
Address
SINT PIETERSNIEUWSTRAAT 25
9000 Gent
Belgium

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Region
Vlaams Gewest Prov. Oost-Vlaanderen Arr. Gent
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
€ 936 875,00

Participants (16)