Potential of natural ventilation in heritage buildings: a case study at the 'Casa Fabiola' Museum in Seville, Spain

Abstract

Historical heritage buildings often face challenges in maintaining suitable indoor environmental conditions, leading to high energy consumption. Insufficient control of the hygrothermal environment and indoor air quality can have adverse effects on both occupants and the valuable artworks housed within these significant structures. However, some heritage buildings also possess construction features that enable them to effectively withstand local climatic conditions.

This study focuses on the 'Casa Fabiola' Museum in Seville, which houses an art collection donated by Mariano Bellver. The main objective is to characterize the museum's hygrothermal comfort and explore the feasibility of implementing integrated passive measures to assess their impact on the indoor conditions. The study aims to reduce the ecological footprint of historical buildings while preserving their environmental legacy. It also seeks to quantify the energy consumption resulting from the implementation of stricter operational conditions.

Through energy simulations, this research aims to harmonize modern conservation efforts with the building's historical past, ensuring a sustainable and ecologically sensitive approach to the preservation of art and human habitability.