Tools for the characterization and evaluation of indoor conditions in built heritage

By project VIOLET

Published on 18 October 2019

Spain

Andalucía

About this good practice

Conservation of traditional architecture and heritage is linked to the preservation of the material and spatial qualities that define it. The knowledge of the ambient parameters constitutes a fundamental information that allows to define and qualify accurately a space, establishing those essential values that have to be taken into account in any rehabilitation process.
In order to obtain this information, it is proposed the use of a series of simple techniques, non-destructive on-site tests, which allow to obtain fundamental information from the point of view of the interior ambient characterization. Thus, the usual measurements of temperature and indoor humidity using sensors is complemented by the estimation of other parameters that provide data about natural lighting (lux); ventilation (both at the natural air exchange levels and about the distribution of air flow into the space); specific thermal properties of materials, with direct influence on energy consumption (U-value); in addition, detecting possible heat flows anomalies between exterior and interior of the building.

Resources needed

6000 Euros for the equipment required for the measurement of the ambient parameters necessary to precisely characterize a space.
A specific training of at least 2 technicians skilled on the use of the equipment, as well as interpreting the volume of data and information provided by them.

Evidence of success

The procedure to obtain in situ ambient measurements of traditional buildings has been tested on different buildings of historical value. Results allow to assert the validity of the methodology, regardless the construction period. The information obtained has been processed in a simple way, obtaining accurate information in a short period of time. It has been also possible to evaluate the ambient behaviour, and propose specific measures coming from studies and simulations on energy performance.

Potential for learning or transfer

This methodology is very easily exportable to any region due to its based on an on-site inspection procedure. The learning to carry out the measurements is simple, existing even ISO standards for some of the tests. In a short time, it is possible to learn the protocol to develop the analysis, as well as obtaining the data. However, in order to analyse data reliably, it is necessary that technicians have acquired some experience in ambient and energy evaluation of heritage buildings. Now, the transfer in the application of the methodology is being carried out on municipal technicians in various municipalities in southern Spain, where this protocol is being applied to study different heritage buildings. As an example, the studies being carried out in the framework of the R&D project "The watchtowers that defended the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. Analysis and scientific documentation (NAZALAYA)" (HAR201.6-79689-P) financed by the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness of Spain.