“UPGRADE”: RIUSO, RESTAURO E RIQUALIFICAZIONE ENERGETICA DI EDIFICI STORICI. L’ESEMPIO DI CIASA SOMÜR IN VAL BADIA

Klaus Ausserhofer1

1 Fondazione Architettura Alto Adige / Ufficio Beni architettonici ed artistici, Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano-Alto Adige / klausausserhofer@hotmail.de

ABSTRACT

The aim of the Architecture Foundation South Tyrol is to critically address the current “energy upgrading” theme where it applies to historical buildings. Today’s global energy issue is increasingly involving the building industry with a demand for energy efficiency. We need to improve and update our existing properties and increase their energy efficiency, but we have to avoid an uncritical application of regulations which has already proved to give disastrous results. The problem is represented by the existent architectural heritage, and not only by the listed monuments but also by that part of such buildings that were used until recent times, dwelled in and expressing specific architectural values such as architectural value, historical memory, identity imprint, local typicality, material culture and personal bond. Energy upgrading demands in-depth analysis of the existing architectural heritage and of the overall social values connected to it. We tried to respond to different answers: Is it possible to renew building volumes today where economical, technical and social parameters have changed while maintaining essential original characteristics? How can traditional building materials and building technologies be saved and upvalued? what are the qualities and the disadvantages of living in historical buildings? Along the visit itineraries to buildings of all kinds, the focus was on the variety of building history and the most diverse problems that can arise during upgrading interventions. A workshop allowed to examine in depth several particularly significant examples and the solutions put forth for upgrading. The goal of the program is to increase the awareness and the recognition of the existing values that an intelligent “energy upgrade” policy should make it possible to safeguard: we have to discuss the results with citizens, architects, engineers and monument conservators. The conclusion of the project “upgrade” is: We don’t need only the U-value, but also an A-value for architecture and an H-value for history.

Parole chiave/Key-words: upgrade, built heritage, alpine farm, Val Badia, retrofit