Article by Oscar Espin, project manager in the Engineering area of ARCbcn-WATTEGA on the refurbishment of heritage-protected buildings
Building refurbishment is a growing market as a result of the sustainability and energy efficiency objectives promoted by the European Union. The trend for the coming years is for this to increase with new grants and tax incentives to develop efficiency improvement projects, not only in envelopes but also in installations. This opens the door to the refurbishment of more buildings of different typologies.
Within this framework, our experience has taught us that a series of specific considerations and approaches must be taken into account to ensure the success of projects involving unique buildings. These are buildings or spaces with distinctive architectural solutions and, above all, those protected as heritage assets. This type of building is usually subject to stricter regulations and rules than conventional buildings, depending on its level of local, state or even World Heritage protection. It is therefore essential to understand the restrictions that affect them. These interventions must be agreed with the competent heritage authorities as well as with the property owner.
Although it is not essential, as it would be in an architectural refurbishment, to carry out exhaustive documentary research into the history of the building, it is advisable for the technician to have the necessary sensitivity so that the proposed intervention in the installations is sufficiently respectful. Here comes the first challenge: adding a new design factor, the aesthetic one, to which building services technicians often do not pay enough attention.
From the perspective of building services engineering, the initial planning phase is essential to identify the areas that require improvements and to ensure that any intervention is compatible with the existing structure. The design of interventions in heritage buildings must be carefully planned to respect and preserve elements of historical value. This includes the use of reversible solutions whenever possible, allowing future interventions to be carried out without damaging the original structure. The integration of new technologies and improvements in energy efficiency must be carried out in a way that does not negatively affect the aesthetics or integrity of the building.
Although it may seem obvious, another important aspect to consider is in-person visits to the spaces. Solutions studied on drawings may work perfectly at a theoretical level, but in this type of project the actual implementation of each element or route is of fundamental importance. A site survey visit plan should be considered and included in the fees throughout the entire project development phase, involving all relevant agents such as heritage experts or conservators. In my opinion, it is also advisable to involve the work teams beyond the project manager. Structural engineers and modellers must keep in mind at all times during their work the singularities of the spaces in which the project takes place.
The cost estimate for the project must also reflect these particularities. The interventions must consider not only the supply and installation of the different elements, but also their collateral effects on the structure or surfaces. The opening of penetrations, fixings, duct routes or locations of electrical panels or other equipment must be carefully studied with different alternatives due to their impact. The route of a simple pipe can be extremely costly if we have not considered that it involves crossing very thick walls or affecting coffered surfaces. These are costs that must be considered in the project budget before reaching the construction stage, as they may represent a very high percentage depending on the impacts. This should not be seen as an insurmountable problem, since heritage buildings can often access specific protection grants and funding.
Tools such as BIM are very valuable in this type of project. The use of models makes it possible to work with a detailed digital twin of the building, facilitating the planning and management of interventions. In addition, non-invasive technologies, such as non-destructive conservation techniques, are essential to minimise the impact on the building’s original structure.
Therefore, from the perspective of building services engineering, the refurbishment of heritage-protected buildings is a complex task that requires a combination of technical knowledge, sensitivity and creativity. The integration of advanced technologies, regulatory compliance, long-term planning and a focus on sustainability are essential aspects to ensure the success of these projects.
Some projects carried out by ARCbcn-WATTEGA that exemplify this level of difficulty are: the historic pavilions of the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, various historic spaces at the Abbey of Montserrat, the Museu d’Història de Barcelona (MUHBA) and, more recently, the refurbishment project of the Castell de Tres Dragons, located in Ciutadella Park.
As we move towards a more sustainable future, the refurbishment of our heritage buildings not only preserves our history, but also ensures that these architectural treasures can be enjoyed by future generations.
Oscar Espin, technical industrial engineer. Project manager.
