Hybrid Green Technologies for Retrofitting Heritage Buildings in North African Medinas: Combining Vernacular and High-tech Solutions for an Innovative Solar Powered Lighting System for Hammam Buildings

A hybrid green technology prototype significantly enhances daylighting and provides up to eight hours of continuous solar-powered LED lighting for North African hammams, addressing longstanding issues of poor natural ventilation and inadequate electric lighting. Developed through a survey of 67 historic baths and tested in two Fez hammams—Seffarine (under rehabilitation) and Moulay Idriss (operational)—the system integrates vernacular daylighting with affordable high-tech solutions. Results demonstrate user-friendly, heritage-sensitive improvements that reduce energy consumption while preserving traditional social practices. This innovative approach serves as a 'green catalyst' for retrofitting the 4000 Moroccan hammams, balancing cultural sustainability with modern efficiency.

Sibley, M., & Sibley, M. (2013). Hybrid Green Technologies for Retrofitting Heritage Buildings in North African Medinas: Combining Vernacular and High-tech Solutions for an Innovative Solar Powered Lighting System for Hammam Buildings. Energy Procedia, 42, 718–725. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2013.11.074