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

Nenad Šekularac,Vladica Cvetković,Jelena Ivanović-Šekularac,Dušan Mijović,Nevena Debljović Ristić,Slobodan Barišić

doi:10.3390/su11154009

Nenad Šekularac, Vladica Cvetković + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/su11154009

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Journal: Sustainability	Publication Date: Jul 24, 2019
Citations: 4	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Belgrade, Metropolitan University

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.

Highlights

Introduction and PremisesThe cultural value of heritage buildings is our legacy that we will pass on to our future generation
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
It is evident that not all heritage buildings still function with their original use, which means for these cases a new function is required so that we could preserve the intrinsic value of heritage buildings [1]

Summary

Introduction

Introduction and PremisesThe cultural value of heritage buildings is our legacy that we will pass on to our future generation. Adaptive re-use of old, damaged and restored historic buildings ensures environmental benefits and revival of dilapidated buildings in order to follow modern trends and architectural, functional and economic values [2]. Construction workers would use local materials, natural light and ventilation and optimal orientation of a building in order to take advantage of natural sources of heat energy, in accordance with bioclimatic factors. They were implementing the principles of environmental and energy efficient construction of that period. After hundreds of thousands of years, the environmental endurance and durability of these construction materials testified on their sustainability [3,4]

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