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How can historic windows be upgraded to improve energy performance and comfort while preserving their architectural character?
This question will guide the HeriTACE x FuturHist webinar on 15 October 2026, bringing together researchers and practitioners to discuss approaches to window renovation that balance building performance with heritage conservation.
Historic windows can be challenging to upgrade. Improving airtightness and thermal performance is often important for reducing energy use and improving comfort, but replacing original windows can also mean losing significant material, craftsmanship and architectural detail. The webinar will look at how retrofit can provide another path.
Nathan Van Den Bossche (Ghent University) and Paul Klõšeiko (Tallinn University of Technology), researchers within HeriTACE, will present approaches to improving the airtightness of historic windows, with a focus on enhancing performance while retaining existing heritage elements.
The programme will also feature FuturHist, with Alexandra Troi (Eurac Research) and Stefan Möller (Holzmanufaktur Rottweil) presenting retrofit solutions developed for four historic building typologies. Their contributions will explore how sustainable alternatives to window replacement can be adapted to different buildings and contexts.
The CALECHE project will add a further practical perspective. Elodie Heberle and Julien Borderon (Cerema) will share methodologies and examples that can help guide decisions around historic window renovation.
Together, the contributions will explore how existing windows can be part of the solution to improving the performance of historic buildings, rather than simply being seen as elements that need to be replaced.
The webinar will take place from 9:30 to 11:00 CEST, followed by a Q&A and discussion. Participants can also join an optional in-person workshop in Strasbourg from 11:30 to 13:00 CEST, providing an opportunity to discuss the practical challenges of renovating historic windows in more detail.
📅 15 October 2026 | 9:30–11:00 CEST📍 Optional workshop in Strasbourg | 11:30–13:00 CEST