Restoration and conversion to re-use of historic buildings incorporating increased energy efficiency: A case study - the Haybarn complex, Hilandar Monastery, Mount Athos

Abstract

A proper approach to restoration of historic buildings is crucial for monumental heritage protection. The objective of the paper is to define a methodology for historic buildings restoration in order to increase energy efficiency and re-usability in accordance with modern standards. The main method used in the paper is the observation of historic buildings during their restoration and exploitation, analysis and evaluation of achieved results regarding energy efficiency and energy saving, through the examples of the buildings belonging to Hilandar Monastery, Mount Athos, in Greece. Mount Athos was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its cultural and natural values. This case study discusses the abandoned and dilapidated historic buildings of the Haybarn Complex (Stable, Mulekeepers' House, and Haybarn), the achieved results regarding the restoration of these buildings, their energy efficiency and turning into the premises for occasional stays. The research results are recommendations for increasing energy efficiency while performing the restoration of historic buildings, so that these buildings could be re-used in a new way. The most significant contribution of the paper is the practical test of energy refurbishment of these historic buildings conducted using the principles and methods of energy efficiency, in compliance with conservation requirements and authenticity of historic buildings.

Assessment of the sustainability of façade refurbishment

“…Authors have investigated wood in terms of refurbishing historic buildings and improving the buildings performance [32]. Several authors have analyzed the functional and design potential of wood as an element of ventilated façade systems and their energy efficiency [33].…”

The Use of Natural Stone as an Authentic Building Material for the Restoration of Historic Buildings in Order to Test Sustainable Refurbishment: Case Study

“…The petrographic composition of this stone is the same as the stone used as a building material for the entire complex at the beginning of the 19th century. The mentioned construction measures and the materials used in the restoration, for the purpose of improving the energy efficiency of these buildings ( Figure 4), have reversible characteristics, which means that the original condition of the restored buildings can be reestablished without causing any structural damage [26].…”

“…The Stable is a single-story building. At a time when the building was first erected, it was connected to the ground floor of the Mulekeepers' House and animals were kept there [26]. The façade peripheral walls were made of rubble and roughly dressed stone (case 1).…”

“…All exterior walls were made of rubble and roughly dressed stone [26]. The peripheral walls of the ground floor were coated with visible stone (case 1).…”

“…The stone deposit in a road-cut below Papa Konaki (provided photos taken by the author).The mentioned construction measures and the materials used in the restoration, for the purpose of improving the energy efficiency of these buildings(Figure 4), have reversible characteristics, which means that the original condition of the restored buildings can be reestablished without causing any structural damage[26].In no way should energy efficiency measures change the visual identity of the heritage building and its environment. The concept of sustainability can be achieved through the preservation of buildings, as authentic architectural heritage, and their original function or a new one, along with the improved comfort and energy saving.…”