Comfort Conditions and Energy Consumption in Prefabricated Houses in Tirana

Abstract

The prefabricated buildings were a momentary solution to the emergent housing problem in Albania during the 1980s. The modular structures were built in minimal costs by using Chinese technology and expertise. A considerable number of buildings were completed all over the country till the beginning of the '90s. These constructions represent today an important part of the housing stock which is seeking retrofit interventions. Due to their design, technology and also due to the lack of maintenance, the prefabricated housing blocks represent today one of the most problematical typologies in terms of thermal comfort and energy efficiency. The objective of the paper is to evaluate the energetic performance of the prefabricated buildings in Tirana, to understand the comfort conditions provided in them and the factors affecting the components of comfort. The research is based on data acquired on a survey conducted in May 2013 and measurements made on case studies. The results deduce preliminary conclusions about the potential of renovation and feasible targets in improving the comfort conditions in these buildings.