Empa Aerogel Architecture Award Winning Project 2024
AEROBLOCK
Enhancing the Carpenter Center with Aerogel: Preserving Heritage While Advancing Energy Efficiency
Harvard University, Cambridge, USA
Michael Chang x Adrian Corbey
Michael Chang x Adrian Corbey
This research explores the innovative application of aerogel as a translucent thermal insulator to enhance the energy performance of heritage-listed buildings, focusing on the Carpenter Center designed by Le Corbusier. Our objective is to integrate aerogel discreetly to preserve the building's cultural and aesthetic integrity while significantly improving thermal efficiency. Aerogel's exceptional properties, including high thermal insulation, light weight, and translucency, make it an ideal candidate for such applications. By conducting a thorough analysis through literature review, material testing, and digital modeling, we aim to demonstrate the potential energy savings and comfort enhancements aerogel can provide. This study also involves developing practical guidelines for integrating modern materials into heritage buildings without compromising their historical value. Our findings will contribute to sustainable preservation practices, offering a balanced approach to maintaining the architectural heritage while adopting contemporary energy-efficient solutions.
The expected outcomes of this research include demonstrated improvements in thermal performance and energy savings, effective strategies for integrating aerogel without compromising the building's visual and cultural value, and the development of best practices for the use of aerogel in heritage buildings. By bridging the gap between modern material science and heritage conservation, this study aims to offer a sustainable solution for enhancing the energy performance of culturally significant buildings. The findings will contribute to the broader field of sustainable preservation practices, providing a balanced approach to maintaining architectural heritage while adopting contemporary energy-efficient solutions.
