Between preservation and performance: Repair and construction in heritage energy retrofits

EASST2026, ‘More Than Now: Exploring Resilient Futures’, European Association for the Study of Science and Technology, AGH University of Kraków, 08–11 September 2026

This conference paper examines heritage energy retrofits as situated decision-making processes shaped by cultural significance, existing fabric, technical standards, and climate targets. Drawing on qualitative interviews with heritage authorities, building physicists, architects, conservation practitioners, and engineers, it analyses how professionals assess acceptable change, respond to material uncertainty, and coordinate decisions across institutional boundaries. The paper highlights the role of investigation, negotiation, testing, and adjustment in developing building-specific retrofit strategies. It shows how repair and construction become closely connected in practice, as historic fabric is maintained and adapted while future energy performance is gradually produced.

More information
https://nomadit.co.uk/conference/easst2026/paper/100541