Energy Efficiency Measures Applied to Heritage Retrofit Buildings: A Simulated Student Housing Case Study in Vienna

Abstract

One pavilion was selected for deep retrofitting from the Otto Wagner area situated in the west of Vienna. The retrofitting process involves sustainable and energy-efficient construction to improve the energy performance and energy production potential of the building while preserving the cultural heritage and significance. This four-story pavilion was re-designed according to the proposed regulations of a net positive energy university building to become a student residence. Architectural, building envelope, and engineering interventions along with various changes were simulated through the Sefaira tool in the SketchUp model. These included: optimization of the U-values of the roof, walls, and floor; the addition of different layers of sustainable energy-efficient insulation materials to decrease the overall energy demand. The specific energy demands for heating, cooling, and lighting were decreased in the proposed model to reduce the total energy use intensity from 248.9 kWh/(m2 year) to 54.3 kWh/(m2 year) resulting in a 78.2% reduction. The main goal of this study is to try and achieve a net positive energy status building as part of the Otto Wagner area by improving the building envelope and integrating renewable energies. A total of 22.5% of the annual energy consumption was generated by the designed PV system. The selected building achieved the passive house standards in Austria by optimizing the energy performance with the proposed energy efficiency measures.

Criteria of “Effectiveness” and Related Aspects in Adaptive Reuse Projects of Heritage Buildings

“…For example, in [59], the authors have conducted a comprehensive analysis of the indoor environment of the heritage building to enhance it in line with the heritage values and characteristics of the building. Similarly, in [60], the focus is laid on optimizing the energy consumption of the building by providing lessons for similar heritage buildings.…”

The “D2P” Approach: Digitalisation, Production and Performance in the Standardised Sustainable Deep Renovation of Buildings

“…Several studies with various fields and approaches have been conducted for the evaluation of energy efficiency measures in different building types. Some of them assess energy upgrading measures for historic buildings [15,16]. Others have developed approaches based on life cycle assessment methods to reduce environmental impacts as much as possible [17,18].…”