A modelling framework for modern heritage buildings energy simulation

Abstract

The latest European polices highlight the urgent need to rehabilitate the existing building stock, responsible for 40 % of the EU's total energy consumption. In this process, a key role is played by thermal simulations, assessing the effective energy performances. However, significant discrepancies between real and simulated consumptions are frequently outlined. Inaccurate results are particularly dangerous for modern buildings, which, rarely protected, are often altered by invasive retrofitting solutions, with little regard for their heritage and cultural value. This paper introduces a comprehensive framework for the building energy simulation, ensuring the necessary model credibility. It consists of dynamic modelling, calibration and validation, enhancing the usefulness of the final results. A validated model is in fact the premise to propose a well-balanced retrofitting scenario, improving the current energy performances, reducing the operational costs, and preserving the historical values of existing buildings. As operative case-study, Chauderon administrative building in Lausanne (1969–1974), designed by the Atelier AAA in collaboration with Jean Prouvé, has been selected. Today, the complex is well-preserved in its original materiality and represents an iconic example of the modern aesthetics, with an expressed need for retrofitting. Following the proposed framework, a reliable model in WUFIplus has been created and validated according to ASHRAE 14, allowing to reliably test the efficacy of future retrofitting scenarios. The final aim of this process is to minimize the risk of inappropriate interventions. For high-quality or recognized post-World War II building stock, the use of a calibrated and validated model is justified and recommended over the static or simplified modelling approaches still commonly employed today.