Case Studies on Energy Retrofitting

The main purpose of the paper is to report about two cases studies of interventions in historic buildings where the applied energy efficiency strategies are relevant during the design. In order to frame the case studies, the paper gives a brief characterization of the Portuguese climate, proceeds with a reference to the national thermic legislation and presents two case studies: (1) Portimao Museum; (2) 1878 Faro Hostel and ends with the conclusions. The Portimao Museum is a former fish-canning factory, edified in the beginning of the 20th century that labored until 1984. The museum opened in 1996 and the project aimed to maintain the industrial heritage present as much as possible, keeping most of the factories original areas. One of the main distinctive aspects of its refurbishment was the profit from the proximity of the Arade River to cool the building. The 1878 Faro Hostel was built in 1878 and in the beginning it was a regular Primary School. The building, marked by the original traces of the stonework, the balustrade and the big bow in the center of the front facade, is classified and is located in the Urban Renewed Area of Faro.