Case studies

The architecture of this multi-functional building strengthens the conditions for a strong inside-outside relationship, enforces human-nature ties and environmental awareness. Dry wood construction and bio-based materials have been used to reduce the carbon footprint. It also uses renewable energy, such as solar photovoltaics, wood boilers and heat pumps.

When talking about historical heritage and energy efficiency, many actions may cross your mind: you may think of renovation works, improving insulation, repairing cracking, changing supplies, lighting... Any of these actions are valid, together with regular monitoring of consumption to analyse whether the measures taken are truly effective or not. In Europe, 35% of the building stock is more than 50 years old. Even if they are of a certain age, these buildings, of whatever type, are not considered historic. But of that 35%, a small percentage are buildings with decades or even centuries of history, and which deserve particular attention. In this article, some of the main features of energy efficiency projects in historical buildings are reviewed. The success story of the Art Nouveau Site of the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau in Barcelona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is shared.

This two family house is a new building and it is a certified passive house in ecological timber construction. The house indeed has been built with regional wood and consistent use of natural building materials. Thanks to energy efficiency measures and renewable energy, the building has very low energy requirements.

This center for construction skills learning has been delivered by EBBA together with the London Legacy Development Corporation. The school provides the opportunity for local people to be sponsored through practical education and training. The results is an innovative and sustainable solution and adapting architecture.

This single-family house is located in Bucharest and is Passive House certified. Indeed, the building has minimal environmental impact due to its extremely low energy requirements. This need is generated by the production of renewable energy: 19 photovoltaic panels are located on the 2 terraces of the building.

The retrofitting project of the public housing complex of Villagio Gandusio (Bologna - Italy) represents an example of social innovation and fight against energy poverty. The project allowed the renovation of building facades, installation of heat meters and general better maintenance.

This certified Passive House multi family dwelling in Zaragoza (Spain) has been built taking in particular consideration the occupants´ comfort, such as indoor air quality (IAQ) and acoustics, and ecological aspects, such as aerothermal energy connected to clean renewable electricity and not gas supply. This allows savings in fixed costs, taxes and maintenance.

The City of Feuchtwangen in Bavaria, Germany developed a teaching and research campus for energy-related studies within the Faculty of Applied Engineering Sciences at the Ansbach University of Applied Sciences. The so-called research hall was the first building of the campus to be constructed and has been in use for research and teaching purposes since February 2018. The building offers space for a wide variety of experimental setups, e.g. in the field of innovative heat generation systems. It was built conformant with the Efficiency House Plus standard.

This case study of residential buildings represents the first residential building in the world with an intelligent and consistent combination of photovoltaics, battery storage, synthetic e-gas/biogas and intelligent energy management (hybrid box). It has also received a recognition at Energy & Temperate Climates Prize of the Green Solutions Awards 2020-21.

The Burgkunstädter town hall is one of the most suggestive half-timbered house in Franconia and it shows an impressive decorative half-timbered structure. The aim of the overall renovation of the old building was to preserve and emphasise the historical value of this important monument and to equip it for the demands of the present day.