Energy efficiency improvement and suitability interventions on vernacular Geocluster (Basilicata)

In order to reduce the environmental impact of human activities, the refurbishment of built heritage and the reduction of the total energy consumption are the two main ways towards a balanced living between man and nature. The research integrates knowledge of past architectural technologies with new planning methodologies, new calculation instruments and current materials and technologies. In Basilicata (a little area in the southern part of Italy), historical heritage was investigated and catalogued in order to define its peculiarity and to assure the building preservation and functional re-utilizing. The aim of the multidisciplinary research team is to identify the elements that characterize the local “Geocluster” (the term “Geocluster” indicates an area marked by a strong architectural and/or typological similarity), from the widespread “minor construction” to urbanized historical ones, by identifying critical issues and/or opportunities to realize an intervention hypothesis of spatial and functional recovery and of energy requalification. The sample areas (Matera, Montescaglioso, Calvello, Missanello) are identified as representative of widespread and homogenous case studies. They are characterized, according to times and social forms, by different building typologies, materials availability (tufa - calcarenite sandstone-, stone and earth), the necessities due to various climate inside the same region and aesthetic-functional solutions according to the local technical-building knowledge. In this way, it is possible to reinterpret traditional Mediterranean architecture creating guidelines for the energy recovery. The aim will be the characterization of the energy efficiency improvement and of the historical-material suitability in the technological recovery processes of built heritage. Basilicata possesses a variety of building typologies which make this study an assessment model which can be reproduced and spread in every area where similar climates and "Mediterranean" features can be found. For this reason our research aims to promote policies in favor of the energy efficient use and environmental safeguard, utilizing in building sector technological innovations consistent with the sustainable development.