Material Selection and Energy Performance in Heritage Building Retrofitting: A Case Study of Wakalat-Quitbay
Mohamed, Mady A. A. Hegazi, Yasmine Sabry Elshanwany, Hussein Elgawad, Samar M. Abd
Mohamed, Mady A. A.
Hegazi, Yasmine Sabry
Elshanwany, Hussein
Elgawad, Samar M. Abd
Type
Supervisor
Date
2025-10
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Abstract
The impact of materials on energy consumption in the retrofitting of heritage buildings presents a unique challenge, as choices are often constrained by the need to preserve the historical and cultural value of the structure. Despite these limitations, this study investigates how the materials used in the energy retrofit process in heritage buildings Wakalat-Quitbay (885 AH/1481 AD) can affect the building’s energy performance. A multi-methodological approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, was used to quantify the effectiveness of different material proposals that were selected to meet the requirements of the Egyptian Energy Code for Residential Buildings (EECRB) for the thermal loads of the building. Thermal loads are considered a key factor influencing cooling energy demand during the hot season. The research utilised the analytical literature review, the field observation, and the numerical analysis using simulation programs (DesignBuilder) as investigation methods in the current research. Six different retrofit scenarios were developed, in which the materials were systematically varied, except for the insulation material, which remained consistent across all scenarios. The results indicated a significant difference in cooling energy across the various alternatives, highlighting the critical role of external envelope factors. Key variables, such as adding thermal insulation to walls and roofs and using double glazing, all demonstrated a notable influence on energy performance, while the cool roof technique provides some effect when used with insulation. The low-pile carpets negatively affected thermal performance, although several studies mentioned in the research have recommended their use. This approach provided an improved energy model for the heritage building and identified the optimal solution that maximised energy efficiency while preserving its value. The results demonstrated the potential for a 17% reduction in cooling energy consumption.