Methodology for energy retrofitting of Modern Architecture. The case study of the Olivetti office building in the UNESCO site of Ivrea

A novel methodology, MERMA (Methodology for Energy Retrofitting of Modern Architecture), demonstrates that energy efficiency retrofitting can achieve a 55% reduction in energy demand for modern heritage buildings without compromising their architectural integrity. Applied to the UNESCO-listed Olivetti office building in Ivrea, Italy, this interdisciplinary approach integrates thermal improvement with preservation concerns, ensuring compliance with regulations while maintaining heritage value. Unlike conventional retrofitting methods that prioritize energy savings alone, MERMA justifies combined interventions for high-quality post-war architecture, offering a sustainable solution that balances cultural and environmental goals.

Galbiati, G., Medici, F., Graf, F., & Marino, G. (2021). Methodology for energy retrofitting of Modern Architecture. The case study of the Olivetti office building in the UNESCO site of Ivrea. Journal of Building Engineering, 44, 103378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.103378