Design approaches for upgrading historically significant architecture toward zero-energy: The Republic of Cyprus Presidential Palace

Ute Poerschke, Loukas Kalisperis, Anastasia Spanou, Mattheos Santamouris

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Since energy consumed in buildings accounts for approximately 40% of the total energy consumption of industrial countries, the adaptation of solutions for zero-energy buildings (ZEB) to existing structures is an important field of investigation. Historically significant buildings can serve as exemplary models if joint strategies for sustainable design and historic preservation are carefully developed and preservation-related conflicts in the application of highly visible sustainable measures are thoroughly addressed. Based on the project of retrofitting the historic monument of the Republic of Cyprus Presidential Palace in Nicosia, this paper addresses the challenge of upgrading existing, historically valuable structures toward ZEB. A series of energy-efficient technologies and measures for the Presidential Building are proposed. Material and technical systems modifications are integrated with architectural inquiries concerning the aesthetic impact of adding passive and active systems. The proposals were combined in different scenarios and analyzed with respect to efficiency and visual impact. The paper illustrates that ZEB necessitates a holistic understanding and planning of all energy consuming and producing aspects - environmental context, materials, structure, mechanical equipment, user behavior, among others. Discussing and comparing the engineers' and architects' approaches, this paper argues for the necessity of an integrative design process in retrofitting architecturally and historically significant structures toward ZEB.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPLEA 2011 - Architecture and Sustainable Development, Conference Proceedings of the 27th International Conference on Passive and Low Energy Architecture
Pages527-532
Number of pages6
StatePublished - Dec 1 2011
Event27th International Conference on Passive and Low Energy Architecture: Architecture and Sustainable Development, PLEA 2011 - Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
Duration: Jul 13 2011Jul 15 2011

Publication series

NamePLEA 2011 - Architecture and Sustainable Development, Conference Proceedings of the 27th International Conference on Passive and Low Energy Architecture

Other

Other27th International Conference on Passive and Low Energy Architecture: Architecture and Sustainable Development, PLEA 2011
Country/TerritoryBelgium
CityLouvain-la-Neuve
Period7/13/117/15/11

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

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