Today, vernacular heritage is at serious risk of disappearing. The absence of preservation policies and the resulting indiscriminate interventions are pressing issues that demand immediate attention. Meanwhile, the world is grappling with significant environmental challenges, such as rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere and resource scarcity.
This master’s thesis explores how rural vernacular structures in northern Spain, which are becoming obsolete, can be sustainably and energy-efficiently rehabilitated. Adopting a holistic approach encompassing both ecological and cultural factors, the study identifies appropriate retrofitting strategies and incorporates them into an architectural design concept.
The thesis begins with a comprehensive study of local history and traditional building techniques, followed by a detailed climate analysis. It then focuses on a case study building, exploring the selection and evaluation of a suitable retrofit insulation system. The acquired insights are used to develop a preliminary design concept, which is assessed and refined for thermal comfort and heating energy consumption. This process culminates in the creation of a final architectural design proposal that aims to serve as a model for similar buildings.
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Today, vernacular heritage is at serious risk of disappearing. The absence of preservation policies and the resulting indiscriminate interventions are pressing issues that demand immediate attention. Meanwhile, the world is grappling with significant environmental challenges, such as rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere and resource scarcity.
This master’s thesis explores how rural vernacular structures in northern Spain, which are becoming obsolete, can be sustainably and en...
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