A year ago we were occupied with polishing up a “lady in her best of times” in Rijeka: with energy renewal design for this multiple flat residential building in Drago Gervais Street – Vežica. Now, a year after completion of design we can see the result – facade works are almost over. For a long time the building has been exposed to littoral sun, rain and north-eastern wind (bura) and became dilapidated. Besides, the signs of major heat loss, worn-out external woodwork and wall dampness became serious problem for the tenants.
Luckily, the tenants have decided to get the building repaired and thus move the time back for a couple of years in order to make the house better for living and increase its value. They have seized the opportunity to bid for renewable energy funds (MGIPU) and funds of Environmental protection and Energy Efficiency Fund; the public bidding was announced at the end of 2016.
It appears that the building was a prospect candidate for getting the funds, as it was built back in 1959. poorly maintained, but this appearance should have been confirmed by issuing an energy attest which is always a first step in such a procedure.
The energy attest produced an expected result – bordering between C and D energy class which is quite satisfactory for the buildings placed inland within the area of continental climate but not for those where littoral climate prevails. Objectively, the result would have been even worse should the building had not had a beautiful view over Kvarner bay and large glass surfaces south-westerly. During the winter the heating energy suffers great loss, but it gets sufficient sun energy during spring and autumn time what significantly reduces the energy costs during these seasons.
During the elaboration of energy attest we estimated the steps that should be taken and which could best influence building condition and quality of tenants’ life. We have suggested the thermal insulation of facade, flat roof as well as the change of the part of external woodwork: wooden single windows at the staircase and in the basement storage as well as the replacement of original wooden double windows and balcony doors in all flats.
Considering that the roof was reconstructed in the year 2012. and new hydro-insulation and ceramics works were performed, the tenants were not willing to “turn up” roof layers again. They have decided for thermal insulation of the facade and replacement of window and door frames.
We have worked out Final design of energy renewal where it is foreseen the lining of facade with rock wool 10 cm thick and replacement of woodworks at the staircase and in the flats by new PVC or aluminium frames and double glazed windows with insulating glass. The woodworks in basement will not be changed, as The Fund decided that the money would not be given for any “auxiliary” rooms.
We have also chosen the rock wool insulation having in mind that fireproof standards prescribe utilization of non-combustible thermal insulating materials for certain type of buildings. The rock wool is a material which, apart from non-combustibility, is characterized by better noise protection, better water vapour transmission and longer durability.
Thanks to mentioned steps we have undertaken the energy saving of 61% is achieved and it was more than sufficient for design to be accepted by Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, so the funds are approved to the satisfaction of tenants.
This is how the building looks now:
Therefore follow the announcements for the public bidding and take advantage of possible contribution of The Fund in financing your final design for energy renewal and construction works. We will be pleased to assist with design and consulting support.