Windows are inseparable components of the building envelope. They shape the building from architecture point of view – and in a historic building, this aesthetical value is complemented by the value of perhaps still preserved original material. They provide daylight, fresh air and view to the outside, but are energetically speaking also the weak part of the thermal envelope: The thermal transmittance of windows was in the past and remains till today lower than for walls. But windows also let in solar radiation which lightens and heats up the room. Therefore, by optimizing gains and minimizing losses, windows have a huge potential to save energy.
Energy efficiency of windows in historic buildings
Elena Lucchi;
2014-01-01
Abstract
Windows are inseparable components of the building envelope. They shape the building from architecture point of view – and in a historic building, this aesthetical value is complemented by the value of perhaps still preserved original material. They provide daylight, fresh air and view to the outside, but are energetically speaking also the weak part of the thermal envelope: The thermal transmittance of windows was in the past and remains till today lower than for walls. But windows also let in solar radiation which lightens and heats up the room. Therefore, by optimizing gains and minimizing losses, windows have a huge potential to save energy.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.