An international team of European experts is looking to improve the energy
efficiency of historic buildings. Window refurbishments stand out as a viable
approach to dramatically reduce energy loss
As their first case of study, the project’s researchers chose to upgrade the
windows of the ‘Waaghaus’ (Public Weighing House), a building located in
Bolzano, Italy, that is over seven-century-old. From a conservationist’s
perspective, the researchers realised that the previous renovation of the
windows in comparatively ancient buildings was neither aesthetically nor
historically accurate. For this project, the building’s curator Waltraud
Kofler-Engl and the expert window designer Franz Freundorfer had carte blanche
to conceive of a new energy efficient window design that integrated well into
the building’s historic façade.
The first prototype of the ‘SmartWin Historic Window’ was installed in the Waaghaus in February 2012.
Alexandra Troi, Vice Head of the Institute for Renewable Energy at the
European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (EURAC) and Scientific Coordinator of 3ENCULT, overlooked the development of the innovative
‘SmartWin Historic Window’. “With our window, we believe we have a solution for
all historic buildings. The SmartWin Historic Window is not only a very good
insulated window that fits perfectly in historic buildings, it’s also
affordable.”
The first prototype of the ‘SmartWin Historic Window’ was installed in the
Waaghaus in February 2012. “We will now measure and analyse different parameters
of this prototype and compare it to one of the old windows from the 1950s,” says
Troi. “Having a prototype installed now, which can be touched and examined, is a
good starting point for multidisciplinary discussions.”
In terms of its aesthetics, curator Kofler-Engl is optimistic. “The narrow
frame and the two [sash bars] of the double-winged window look very good. But in
my opinion the triple glazing doesn’t fit the look of the building. And I think
the antique styling of the glass used for the outer windowpane is a bit
exaggerated. Perhaps a double glazing inside and a simple, single glass layer on
the outside might be enough.”
The 3ENCULT team will continue to refine its next prototype, which as to meet
criteria of feasibility and cost-efficiency. Troi concludes: “With the SmartWin
Window we have a practical solution which covers these aspects.”