Thermal Evolution and Preservation Strategies in Restoration Projects

A recent article published in Frontiers of Architectural Research presented a case study on the reconstructed historical townhouses in Kosice, Slovakia, examining the changes in its thermal properties and structures with multiple renovations.

Preserving Historical Value of Renovated Buildings
Study: Preserving Historical Value of Renovated Buildings. Image Credit: Vadim_N/Shutterstock.com

Background

Restoration of historic buildings is a highly complex process that involves using only known materials. Before application, it is necessary to understand the effects of these materials on the originally used historical materials. Additionally, the restoration process should enhance the building’s structural and physical properties and improve its internal environment.

With the development of new materials and construction processes, the possibility of interventions in historic structures that do not compromise monumental values is gradually expanding. However, protecting historical heritage through hidden methods of insulation, which preserve the building’s authenticity, remains challenging.

Many promising restoration approaches have been developed, fostering a symbiosis of old and new materials. This study examines the compromises between the structural and physical properties of a historic building that has undergone several renovations, comparing the structure before and after restoration.

Methods

In this study, the researchers chose to analyze a historic building in Kosice, Slovakia. Constructed in the 14th century, this building serves commercial purposes and has undergone multiple renovations. However, its original construction did not meet the required standards. Thus, an inspection was deemed necessary before commencing the restoration project.

Monitoring and survey of the building’s façade were conducted in winter. This outer wall’s façade includes significant architectural elements made of various building materials. These elements may deteriorate under unfavorable temperatures and atmospheric conditions.

A thorough inspection was conducted to determine the thermal-technical properties and details of the building’s structures before restoration. Surface temperatures were recorded indoors, outdoors, and on the building envelope to analyze one-dimensional heat dissipation. Additionally, a room with windows facing north and east on the second floor was selected for in situ test measurements. Hourly measurements were recorded using data loggers, documenting the temperature and density of the heat flows.

Selected monitoring points were distributed to analyze the assumed critical elements of the building structure. This was necessary because the number of days when the average daily temperatures fell below zero during the year was limited. Therefore, the measurements in the building were recorded for a short period, from the end of January to the beginning of February.

Results and Discussion

The results revealed the preparation for renovating and restoring the historical building in Kosice. Environmental factors influenced the outdoor and indoor in situ measurements. Thus, changes in the internal surface temperatures of the perimeter walls were recorded under non-stationary conditions using sensors located on the north and east perimeter walls.

The inner surface’s temperature fell below the “hygienic criterion” (the critical temperature for mold growth) only at a few positions, specifically in the Romanesque stone slabs on the windowsills of the northern perimeter wall. Moreover, even under extreme conditions (low outdoor air temperatures in winter), the temperature was not suitable for mold growth on the inner surface of the envelope walls (two facades).

No notable differences in the measured surface temperatures above and below the window ledge (the northern envelope of the building) were observed. This was attributed to the extensive outlining of the window sill, leading to cooling effects on the elements oriented towards the north.

The researchers observed a window lintel above the window opening, although its composition remained unknown. This lintel had different thermo-physical properties compared to the external wall material. These findings can significantly aid in deciding the restoration method of the building. Additionally, the measured temperature trends can assist in non-destructive analysis of the material composition of the perimeter walls.

Conclusion

Overall, the measurements revealed that despite the absence of a new thermal insulation layer on the external part of the building, the standard requirements were not violated. However, the researchers identified changes in the original structures and their shapes after the building restoration.

Restoring a historic building is inherently a unique process tailored to each specific structure. Universal advice and recommendations have, in the past, frequently compromised the distinct qualities of monuments. Furthermore, the unnecessary standardization of appearance obscures vital expressions of a building's cultural diversity. Therefore, it is essential for all professionals involved in historic building restoration projects to collaborate closely; both the research and design work involved in these projects should be grounded in scientific knowledge.

In conclusion, this study demonstrated the effect of outer shell properties on the structure’s thermal insulation and suggested methods for architects, planners, and preservationists to preserve the structural forms of the façade. Furthermore, the restoration design and work must be based on scientific knowledge.

Journal Reference

Katunský, D., Katunská, J., Dolníková, E., & Hutkai, K. (2024). Preserving the historical value and thermal properties of renovated buildings: The case of reconstructed town houses in Kosice, Slovakia. Frontiers of Architectural Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2024.04.007, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095263524000724

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.

Article Revisions

  • Jun 11 2024 - Title changed from "Preserving Historical Value of Renovated Buildings" to "Thermal Evolution and Preservation Strategies in Restoration Projects"
Nidhi Dhull

Written by

Nidhi Dhull

Nidhi Dhull is a freelance scientific writer, editor, and reviewer with a PhD in Physics. Nidhi has an extensive research experience in material sciences. Her research has been mainly focused on biosensing applications of thin films. During her Ph.D., she developed a noninvasive immunosensor for cortisol hormone and a paper-based biosensor for E. coli bacteria. Her works have been published in reputed journals of publishers like Elsevier and Taylor & Francis. She has also made a significant contribution to some pending patents.  

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Dhull, Nidhi. (2024, June 11). Thermal Evolution and Preservation Strategies in Restoration Projects. AZoBuild. Retrieved on October 14, 2024 from https://www.azobuild.com/news.aspx?newsID=23535.

  • MLA

    Dhull, Nidhi. "Thermal Evolution and Preservation Strategies in Restoration Projects". AZoBuild. 14 October 2024. <https://www.azobuild.com/news.aspx?newsID=23535>.

  • Chicago

    Dhull, Nidhi. "Thermal Evolution and Preservation Strategies in Restoration Projects". AZoBuild. https://www.azobuild.com/news.aspx?newsID=23535. (accessed October 14, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Dhull, Nidhi. 2024. Thermal Evolution and Preservation Strategies in Restoration Projects. AZoBuild, viewed 14 October 2024, https://www.azobuild.com/news.aspx?newsID=23535.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.