New strategies towards nearly zero energy in existing buildings: The ABRACADABRA project

Abstract

ABRACADABRA is an European Project funded by the Horizon 2020 Program, based on the assumption that substantial increase in the real estate value of the existing buildings can play a key role in the deep renovation. The project aims at demonstrating to the key stakeholders and financial investors the attractiveness of a new renovation strategy based on volumetric Add-ons and Renewable energy sources (AdoRES) intended as one (or a set of) Assistant Building unit(s) - like aside or façade additions, rooftop extensions or even an entire new building construction - that "adopt" the existing buildings (the Assisted Buildings) to achieve nearly zero energy. The creation of these AdoRES aims at reducing the initial investment allocated for the deep renovation of the existing building creating an up-grading synergy between old and new. The ABRA strategy can thus result in the implementation of a punctual densification policy that aims at fostering the investments in deep renovation of the existing built environment, driving process innovation in the construction and the real estate sector. The paper, after outlining the main aspect of the project, focuses on a case study in Italian context, where different technological solutions and related economic impact are analysed: from a deep renovation to AdoRES strategies and different scenarios of renovation. The preliminary feasibility study and cost assessment, show the benefit given by the presented strategy in overcoming actual financial e tecnical barriers.