Hygrothermal monitoring as a tool for calibrating energy simulation models of traditional architecture
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20868/ade.2026.5718Keywords:
energy simulation, monitoring, traditional architecture, management strategiesAbstract
Energy simulation of traditional buildings involves considerable uncertainty because of accumulated alterations,
construction heterogeneity and the difficulty of characterising handcrafted materials using tabulated properties. This study proposes
continuous hygrothermal monitoring as a basis for calibrating energy models. Indoor and outdoor temperature and relative humidity
were recorded for one year in three traditional public buildings in Extremadura, Spain: an unoccupied free-running building, a heated
but uncooled school, and an administrative and tourist building conditioned throughout the year. The data reveal high thermal inertia, strong damping of outdoor fluctuations and different responses depending on use, occupancy and conditioning systems. The analysis supports management strategies tailored to each typology, particularly controlled ventilation, energy conservation and adaptation of active systems to the specific characteristics of the building. Incorporating these measurements into energy models would enable calibrated digital twins, improve simulation reliability and support decisions on renovation, conservation, energy efficiency and comfort that remain compatible with traditional architecture.
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