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Well-Balanced Energy Housing: Reasoning Method towards interventions crossing Heritage, Efficiency and Comfort

WellBEH•2023.11189.PEX

The WellBEH project proposes the development of an original reasoning method named ReCARe through its application to practical cases in order to reach a combined design of diagnosis and intervention plan based on the challenging articulation of three pillars: preservation of the housing heritage, improvement of energy efficiency, and enhancement of the comfort of inhabitants.

WellBEH conceives intervention practices as the outcome of an integrated exercise, linking historical and architectural values, bioclimatic strategies, and participatory processes in which Architecture and Research - through Design - play a fundamental role. This research project is based on reasoning with regard to the built environment as a decision-making process in the context of architectural heritage preservation, in balance with current environmental and social needs, while also considering space uses and their impact on energy consumption to enhance the comfort of the inhabitants.

The retrofitting of Modern architecture is an urgent and complex process, both due to the necessary response to contemporary societal challenges (e.g., climate adaptation and well-being) and the strong connection with the cultural and heritage values of this legacy. Within this universe, ordinary housing heritage with distinct characteristics and enormous potential for adaptation and improvement of efficiency and comfort deserve special attention. These buildings form a significant part of the urban and cultural structure but are often neglected in intervention policies. The balanced management of the preservation of this heritage with energy-sustainable solutions is a pressing and fundamental challenge to ensure the continuity and value of these complexes and the well-being and comfort of their inhabitants.

WellBEH stems from the knowledge built with the research 'Design and Intervention between Form and Function' [CEEC/INST/00162/2018] in analysing the relationship between intervention strategies and energy sustainability measures. WellBEH will also work in connection with the activities conducted by the Docomomo International Specialist Committee on Technology and Docomomo Portugal.

Start year

2025 (Ongoing)

Duration

Principal Investigator

Luciana Rocha

Co-principal Investigator

Rui Fernandes Póvoas

Funding Entity

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)

Funding Value

49.986,40 €

Project Reference

2023.11189.PEX

Proposing Institution

Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto

Collaborative Institutions

Faculdade de Letras da Universidade do Porto - Instituto de Sociologia (FLUP/IS)