Thermal Retrofitting of Façades: Architectural Integration of ETICS

Abstract

Given the poor thermal comfort provided in many buildings, solutions have been sought that ally lower energy costs with a contribution to greater sustainability. Of these solutions, the thermal retrofitting of the outer envelope of buildings stands out, with various systems of façade insulation being devised such as ETICS (external thermal insulation composite system). Even though advantageous by comparison with other thermal retrofitting solutions, system integration in the façade needs to be minutely detailed. However, its integration in the facade is possible, provided that it meets the target objectives, including the improvement of thermal comfort. Taking the application of ETICS in façade rehabilitation as the starting point, with particular reference to residential buildings, this paper offers some proposals in the form of novel solutions for the architectural integration of the system based on current solutions, suggesting general design procedures. The architectural details of these solutions were the main object of the study and this paper presents some solutions for integration in the windows areas, which can prevent some very common errors frequently made nowadays. The degree of architectural integration of the solutions can vary according to four evaluation parameters: cost, durability, practicability and architectural integration. These parameters assume different values in the various proposed solutions, which is why there are several feasible solutions for each element of the facade.