Energy optimization of a heritage home from 1890 with a focus on improved thermal comfort
Student thesis: Master programme thesis
- Karen Anne Krogh Nielsen
- Mikkel Eger Sommer
4. term, Master of Building Physics (Continuing Education Programme (Master))
The report aims to identify measures that can enhance thermal comfort and optimize energy efficiency for Fogedgården in Bondebyen. Construction solutions are being developed as part of the upcoming renovation of the ground floor of the house. The renovation itself is expected to be carried out in the near future.
The house is of historical value and has been assessed as Grade 3 according to the SAVE method. Several trees on the property have also been designated as having historical value, which means that future work needs to consider both general preservation values and the local plan for Bondebyen. Therefore, solutions including added insulation are limited to internal application only.
The house underwent a major renovation in the 1980s. It has a masonry foundation and walls, timber crossbeams and a thatched roof. The interior walls are made of autoclaved aerated concrete, and the exterior walls consist of solid, single-layer thick brick walls with secondary walls with 95 mm insulation installed internally. The windows are original and have secondary windows installed internally as a supplement.
Based on experience, insulating this type of construction internally can be challenging to execute without creating moisture risks. Therefore, four different solution proposals are presented to improve thermal comfort in the living room. The proposals involve a combination of renovating and optimizing the existing windows, with or without the installation of a new vapor barrier, as well as insulating the existing secondary walls.
The effect of the internal insulation and window optimization is assessed theoretically using the calculation programs WUFI and HEAT2 to identify any potential changes that could lead to critical moisture conditions, such as condensation and mold growth.
Based on the calculations performed, it can be concluded that internal insulation with an additional 45 mm thickness is recommended if the new vapor barrier is installed and properly sealed to the adjacent building components' air barrier. The vapor barrier should be protected by the installation layer to prevent future breaches. It is also recommended to renovate the existing window frames and install a new coupled sash with single glazing.
The house is of historical value and has been assessed as Grade 3 according to the SAVE method. Several trees on the property have also been designated as having historical value, which means that future work needs to consider both general preservation values and the local plan for Bondebyen. Therefore, solutions including added insulation are limited to internal application only.
The house underwent a major renovation in the 1980s. It has a masonry foundation and walls, timber crossbeams and a thatched roof. The interior walls are made of autoclaved aerated concrete, and the exterior walls consist of solid, single-layer thick brick walls with secondary walls with 95 mm insulation installed internally. The windows are original and have secondary windows installed internally as a supplement.
Based on experience, insulating this type of construction internally can be challenging to execute without creating moisture risks. Therefore, four different solution proposals are presented to improve thermal comfort in the living room. The proposals involve a combination of renovating and optimizing the existing windows, with or without the installation of a new vapor barrier, as well as insulating the existing secondary walls.
The effect of the internal insulation and window optimization is assessed theoretically using the calculation programs WUFI and HEAT2 to identify any potential changes that could lead to critical moisture conditions, such as condensation and mold growth.
Based on the calculations performed, it can be concluded that internal insulation with an additional 45 mm thickness is recommended if the new vapor barrier is installed and properly sealed to the adjacent building components' air barrier. The vapor barrier should be protected by the installation layer to prevent future breaches. It is also recommended to renovate the existing window frames and install a new coupled sash with single glazing.
| Language | Danish |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 9 Jun 2023 |
| Number of pages | 125 |