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

Abstract

This study deals with the integrated process of conservation and restoration of architectural heritage and sustainability. The objective of the research was to define adequate methodologies for the structural restoration of historic buildings, their re-use, and sustainable refurbishment in accordance with modern requirements and conservation standards while maintaining the original visual character by using natural stone as an authentic building material. The main research method was the in-situ observation of the historic structures during the restoration and adaptive re-use, the analysis, and evaluation of the research findings regarding energy efficiency improvements and energy saving in the Haybarn complex within the monastery Hilandar, Mount Athos, Greece. Due to its cultural and natural values, Mount Athos has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The research included the damaged and abandoned agricultural structures that belong to the Haybarn complex and the analysis of the obtained results after the restoration had finished and the abandoned premises had been turned into guest rooms for the visitors of Hilandar monastery. The result section states the findings of the research arranged as recommendations for historic building restoration and re-use, emphasizing their new function in accordance with modern comfort requirements and environmental protection standards. The main contribution of this study is the analysis of the research findings and the possibilities of energy refurbishment of the restored historic buildings, through the use of natural stone as authentic local construction material, in accordance with energy efficiency measures and principles, conservation requirements and cultural heritage conservation standards.

Advances in the Restoration of Buildings with LIDAR Technology and 3D Reconstruction: Forged and Vaults of the Refectory of Santo Domingo de Orihuela (16th Century)

“…In the same sense, the recording of all the data collected in the intervention process makes possible the archaeological analysis and the study of possible findings. An important debate is opening up that relates the compatibility of traditional construction models and construction systems used in retrofitting that respect the heritage received [45,46] and the standards of quality and structural safety [47]. 4) show a maximum deflection of 11 mm, so that the deflections are negligible and less than the deflections allowed in conventional slabs.…”

An Integrated SWOT-PESTLE-AHP Model Assessing Sustainability in Adaptive Reuse Projects

“…Since adaptive reuse is a construction work, in the broadest sense, it inevitably involves applicable building codes. Thus, urban re-development strategies, in line with the topic of adaptive reuse, should also consider technological and technical matters, and encourage research and development of innovative durable techniques, systems, and components, in order to achieve the desired outcome of an improved built environment [156]. In many cases, buildings under consideration, despite the obsolescence to which they most probably have been subjected to, continues to operate in a satisfactory manner.…”

Restoration of a Historic Building in Order to Improve Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving—Case Study—The Dining Room within the Žiča Monastery Property

“…Sustainable construction and restoration represent a significant aspect of sustainable development [15] and include:…”

“…Heating and cooling of architectural buildings without adequate thermal insulation requires a larger amount of energy, which means higher operating and maintaining costs The existence of cold perimeter structures on the building, walls and ceilings; the absence of thermal insulation on these surfaces; or the existence of insufficient thermal insulation, leads to: increased heat loss during the winter months, damage caused by condensation within the structural elements as well as space overheating during the summer [15]. Among the harmful effect of condensation is the occurrence of structural damage, which affects the durability of the structure itself and the building as a whole.…”