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Climate-conscious building culture

South Tyrol's architecture is as diverse as the history of our country. How historical building culture and climate protection can be sustainably combined.

Magnificent castles and palaces, stately residences and traditional mountain farms, which were built a long time ago with the special features of the Alpine environment in mind: We have always built in harmony with the landscape and nature — using pollutant-free and regional building materials such as stone, sand or wood from local forests, which is used in traditional solid timber houses, for example.

All of these historic buildings, some of which are listed, need to be preserved and combined with the requirements of sustainable and climate-friendly construction. For example, through state subsidies that support the energy-efficient refurbishment of historic buildings or through expert craftsmen and researchers who develop customised solutions for energy-efficient refurbishment.

Preserving for the future

In the HIBERAtlas, researchers at the private research centre Eurac Research in Bolzano are collecting best practice examples of energy-efficient renovation measures in historic buildings. Six South Tyrolean buildings that show how monument protection and climate protection go together.

Farmhouse Huber, Rodeneck

The farmhouse from the 14th and 15th centuries is a typical example of South Tyrolean architecture. The renovation of the listed ensemble included both architectural renovations and measures to increase energy efficiency, while largely preserving the substance of the old building. Two flats were created and the barn was extensively renovated: Dilapidated components were replaced and the roof was covered with traditional shingles. 

IDM Süditirol-Alto Adige/Arch. Pobitzer
Oberbergerhof, Montan

The historic Oberbergerhof farm, which was first mentioned in a document in the 14th century, is located in the centre of the idyllic municipality of Montan. During the renovation of the listed Weinhof in 2016, the doors, the striking wooden floorboards and a centre hall with domed bifora windows from the late Renaissance were preserved. The energy balance was improved by a pellet stove, newly insulated ceilings and floors, among other things.

IDM Südtirol/Arch. David Stuflesser
House Platzbon, St. Andrä

The historic Platzbon Mountain Farm, renovated in 2016, is located above St. Andrä with a view of the Eisack Valley. Natural materials such as pine and spruce wood for the roof renovation or the Brixen quartz phyllite that was uncovered in the interior were an essential part of the renovation of today's organic farmhouse. In addition to Gothic door leaves and ceiling beams with straw-lime panelling, the historic parlour stove has also been preserved. Insulating plaster and triple-glazed windows were installed to improve the energy efficiency of the courtyard.

Mairhof residence, Parcines

The Mairhof residence is located very near the centre of Parcines/Partschins. Crenellated gables, murals and historic wooden ceilings with beams that are over 800 years old, as well as a winery and a listed barn, characterise the architecture of the building, which was first mentioned in a document in 1357. In the course of the renovation, dilapidated water pipes and electricity cables were modernised and the Mairhof was equipped with a wood gas boiler, triple-glazed windows and thermal plaster. A solar system was installed on the roof of an extension.

Kofler residence, Bolzano

The owner of the Kofler residence in Bolzano, built in 1749, pursued two goals in equal measure: the restoration of the former orangery character and the consistent reduction of energy requirements. In order to preserve the neoclassical façade, external insulation was chosen that did not affect the aesthetics of the listed building. Large passive house windows, floor and interior wall insulation and a ventilation system with heat recovery and a ground-to-air heat exchanger reduce the energy requirement, which is covered in a climate-neutral way by a pellet boiler.

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Arch. Manuel Benedikter
Ruckenzaunerhof, Tarsch

The Ruckenzaunerhof is a typical Venosta Valley stone building, which was partly built in the 15th century. During the renovation, the owners had the building listed as a historical monument and realised how important the preservation of historical structures is for the identity of their village. The once dilapidated courtyard was fitted with new windows, underfloor heating and thermal insulation plaster. A restorer was involved in this work, who worked out façade elements from different eras.

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Ivo Corrá

New solutions for old buildings

Scientists develop energy-efficient refurbishment solutions

How can listed buildings and buildings of historical and artistic value be renovated so that they meet today's energy efficiency standards without losing their cultural and historical character? This is what the research group for the energy-efficient renovation of historic buildings at the Institute for Renewable Energy in Bolzano is working on. They can analyse energy efficiency and thermohygrometric compatibility in laboratory tests and simulations. The scientists also provide concrete support to authorities and companies as well as building owners, architects, specialist planners, manufacturers and contractors:

  • Projects for the energy-efficient refurbishment of historic buildings
  • Development of energy concepts for historic town centres
  • Support and coordination of the planning process for energy-efficient refurbishments involving the client, specialist planners, manufacturers and contractors
  • Support for the preservation of historical monuments

 

Protecting traditional farms

Did you know that there is a law in South Tyrol that protects the rural cultural landscape? The Farmstead Act ensures that traditional, so-called closed farmsteads are passed on exclusively within the family. They may not simply be sold and converted into residential buildings or hotels, for example. Thanks to this inheritance regulation, there are many family farms in South Tyrol that have existed for centuries. The aim is to preserve the agricultural tradition in the long term. According to the 2020 agricultural census, there were a total of 20,023 active farms, around 13,300 of which are closed farms — the majority of them open their doors for farm holidays.

Sustainable Südtirol

Closed farms in South Tyrol

13.300

The Farm Act protects family farms and preserves farming traditions.

A look behind the scenes

Discover architectural masterpieces between the town's squares and alleyways, marvel at fine wines and Gothic vaults in medieval wine cellars or learn the art of baking bread on a lovingly restored farm. Guided tours in South Tyrol give you unique insights into our cultural landscape — often behind historic walls.

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Sustainably impressive

For centuries, our 800 castles, palaces and residences have impressed people — in the past the princes and princesses, countesses and counts who lived in them, and today, visitors from all over the world who come to see these historic and carefully renovated walls. Discover the diversity of our castles and palaces — for example on a guided tour of the baroque Mareit Castle, a visit to the castle museum or a princely meal in one of the castle and palace restaurants.

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Filz

Sleeping within old walls

Historic South Tyrol is a group of accommodations that consciously preserves the old, maintains it with care and lives on the heritage of hospitality.

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