Conservation and Energy Upgrade of the Natural History Museum of Axioupoli – Implementation of Sustainable Architectural Interventions

The Natural History Museum of Axioupoli is housed in a building from the 1930s, originally constructed to accommodate the Axioupoli Elementary School. It is a significant landmark for the settlement and the municipality, but over the years, it has suffered considerable wear and tear. Its energy performance is low, and the indoor environmental conditions do not meet modern comfort and sustainability standards.

The study focused on preserving the architectural identity of the building, upgrading its energy efficiency, and improving its functionality. The main objectives were energy conservation, reducing the environmental footprint, and creating enhanced thermal and visual comfort conditions for museum visitors.

Approach

The project aims for the complete restoration and upgrade of the building through a series of interventions based on bioclimatic design principles and energy efficiency. The improvement of the thermal behavior of the building envelope is achieved through the application of appropriate thermal insulation materials. At the same time, natural ventilation and lighting are enhanced, contributing to the creation of a qualitatively improved indoor environment. Additionally, passive heating and cooling systems are implemented to reduce the building’s overall energy consumption.

Particular emphasis is placed on preserving the morphological characteristics of the building to highlight its architectural identity and maintain its historical value. At the same time, the lighting installations are upgraded with the adoption of low-energy consumption technologies, enhancing the overall efficiency of the space. The comprehensive improvement of indoor climate conditions ensures increased thermal and visual comfort, creating a more pleasant environment for visitors and employees.

All these interventions are carried out in accordance with current regulations and sustainability principles, aiming to ensure the long-term resilience of the building and its smooth integration into the modern social and cultural life of Axioupoli.

Benefits

The project delivers an energy-efficient and functional museum, enhancing the visitor experience. The interventions significantly reduce energy consumption and the environmental footprint, while also preserving the historical character of the building.

The functional and aesthetic upgrade of the museum increases visitor engagement, contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage, and strengthens the connection between the space and the local community. Moreover, the implementation of bioclimatic principles and energy-efficient solutions ensures the museum’s seamless integration into modern sustainable development practices.