An innovative project, the first of its kind in the Venetian historical centre which combines the conservation of particular structures using the latest technologies and materials for energy savings and well being.
Murano is one of the most beautiful islands of the city, it is on the north-east of the Venetian Lagoon. It is divided into seven small islands, each separated by canals and connected by bridges. It has been the centre of glass manufacturing since 1291.
The industrial site was built in 1937 as a factory for the production of refractory materials.
Initially it was constituted by two floors, the ground floor used as location for the firing kilns, and the first floor used as storage and drying room for the industrial output.
Subsequently, two additional floors were added in 1938.
In 1953, a further two outer buildings were constructed; the first was used as a changing room, the second one against the lagoon-front wall, as rest room for the employees. Since then, the factory has continued to produce refractory material for the Murano's furnaces.
The renovation of the factory, involves the construction of 21 residential units inside the industrial warehouse. The project has the priority of preserving the façades of the buildings, retaining the visible brick wall, the entrances and windows scores, the roof and floors existing structural elements, in order to maintain the typical characteristics of the industrial building that are present on the Murano island.
The open spaces are converted into private gardens with a communal green space in front of the lagoon.
An innovative project, the first of its kind in the Venetian historical centre which combines the conservation of particular structures using the latest technologies and materials for energy savings and well being
This is the first development in the historic centre of Venice, to put itself forward for the Municipality of Venice’s ‘Eco-Friendly Building Award’.
“The initiative’s objective is to encourage development which respects the environment and creates healthy buildings ”.
Over 50% of the materials used are from certified renewable resources: wood, hemp fibre, non-toxic paints, flooring from sustainable forests.
We are offering a quality product which respects the environment and is energy-smart. We have paid particular attention to the design of thermal and acoustic insulation in the living spaces. We have chosen eco-efficient, natural materials wherever possible. We have sought to minimise heat-loss and maximise energy efficiency, to make the living space and its surroundings into a place of well-being. Our aim has been to reduce energy requirements while ensuring an optimal level of comfortable living.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The apartments have been designed to reduce energy consumption to less than 50%, of the mandatory standard laid down by FAEP. At our request, the project’s energy-efficiency has been assessed for certification by CasaClima, the leading agency of the Department of Urban Planning, Environment and Energy in the Province of Bolzano.
This development has been awarded a ‘Class B’ energy efficiency rating, giving an energy performance less than or equal to 50 kWh/m2/year, (the equivalent of 5 litres of domestic heating fuel a year to heat a surface area of 1 m2).
Currently most houses in Venice fall into 'Class E' or 'Class F'. Venetian buildings consume on average the equivalent of more than 12 litres of heating fuel per year to heat a surface area of 1 m2, more than twice as much as our apartments. This reduced energy consumption will be reflected in significant savings in heating costs.
UNDER-FLOOR HEATING AND FORCED-AIR FAN SYSTEM
The under-floor heating system is complemented by a forced-air system which can be switched to cool in the summer.
Under-floor heating is powered centrally by a heat pump and domestic hot water is provided by three condensing boilers. The distribution of hot water is boosted by a re-circulating loop to give rapid delivery.
These systems are designed to achieve:
- reduced energy consumption; low energy costs
- simple operation with separate controls for each apartment
- management of facilities for each apartment
- low maintenance costs
- reduced carbon emissions
The centralised heating system is designed to reduce energy consumption, keeping running costs to a minimum and providing individual smart-metering systems and heat and temperature controls in each apartment.
This ideal solution combines the benefits of a centralized system with the advantages of total flexibility and control for each apartment.
