Energy efficiency for the refurbishment of Mediterranean historical small town centres: a methodology

Economical and energy restraint affecting Europe lead contemporary architecture to focus on the renovation of historical building stock. In need of enhancing the energy performance of the Italian cultural heritage, the aim of this research is to investigate a refurbishment model that supplies strategies for non-monumental historical districts for the fulfilment of the general criteria of cultural, environmental and economic valorisation through an integrated design that combines principles of innovation and conservation, minimum intervention and energy efficiency. Operating on the refurbishment of historical villages in central Italy, this paper focuses on the refurbishment of the historical rural burg “Le Pagliara”(Opi). A strategic framework seeks to reactivate and expand its original productive character; it aims at recovering the architectural typology while enhancing energy performances and achieving microclimatic comfort, in compliance with regulated performance requirements and innovative models of traditional spaces in terms of access, management and equipment.