Deep renovation methodology for 20th-century masterpieces: the case of Palazzo Affari by Carlo Mollino

This paper proposes a methodological approach to energy renovation in valuable buildings, encompassing architectural, historical, and analyses. The research tests its application on case study: retrofit proposal for Palazzo Affari Turin, an office building designed by Carlo Mollino the Chamber of Commerce (1964–1974). building, still use, has never been thermally renovated yet. gathers structural, technological, spatial experimentation worth be preserved. core Mollino's design is versatile plan, clear from any structural encumbrances, which was made possible thanks innovative technique. Façades are cladded with finely concrete prefabricated panels. As 20th-century masterpiece, it must recognized as culturally but also shows enormous improvement potential, many buildings age. Based deep understanding combination traditional ad hoc solutions renovation, mediated need material iconic preservation. Both substitution façade panels insulation outside excluded. opaque parts insulated inside using high-performance Vacuum-Insulation-Panels, new counter-facade conceived produced through digital fabrication. On other hand, windows fully replaced choosing glass both high-performing respectful original chromaticity transparency. window frames thermal break specially respect external thickness. configured add-in intervention, coherent pre-existence. Substitutions carefully weighted architectural features. FEM analysis demonstrates reduction flux walls 80% 65%. solar factor reduced 35%, thus improving summer internal comfort.