Eco-Efficient Retrofitting of Rural Heritage: A Systematic Review of Sustainable Strategies

Through a systematic review of sustainable rural dwelling recovery, this study offers a broader reflection on retrofitting practices, viewing eco-efficiency as a means to enhance both cultural heritage and agricultural landscapes. The work is based on the assumption that vernacular architecture in r...

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Main Authors: Stefano Bigiotti, Mariangela Ludovica Santarsiero, Anna Irene Del Monaco, Alvaro Marucci
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/15/4065
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author Stefano Bigiotti
Mariangela Ludovica Santarsiero
Anna Irene Del Monaco
Alvaro Marucci
author_facet Stefano Bigiotti
Mariangela Ludovica Santarsiero
Anna Irene Del Monaco
Alvaro Marucci
author_sort Stefano Bigiotti
collection DOAJ
description Through a systematic review of sustainable rural dwelling recovery, this study offers a broader reflection on retrofitting practices, viewing eco-efficiency as a means to enhance both cultural heritage and agricultural landscapes. The work is based on the assumption that vernacular architecture in rural contexts embodies historical, cultural, and typological values worthy of preservation, while remaining adaptable to reuse through eco-efficient solutions and technological innovation. Using the PRISMA protocol, 115 scientific contributions were selected from 1711 initial records and classified into four macro-groups: landscape relationships; seismic and energy retrofitting; construction techniques and innovative materials; and morphological–typological analysis. Results show a predominance (over 50%) of passive design strategies, compatible materials, and low-impact techniques, while active systems are applied more selectively to protect cultural integrity. The study identifies replicable methodological models combining sustainability, cultural continuity, and functional adaptation, offering recommendations for future operational guidelines. Conscious eco-efficient retrofitting thus emerges as a strategic tool for the integrated valorization of rural landscapes and heritage.
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institution Kabale University
issn 1996-1073
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series Energies
spelling doaj-art-3438cba751a84c4ebdadd56da13de7702025-08-20T03:36:40ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-07-011815406510.3390/en18154065Eco-Efficient Retrofitting of Rural Heritage: A Systematic Review of Sustainable StrategiesStefano Bigiotti0Mariangela Ludovica Santarsiero1Anna Irene Del Monaco2Alvaro Marucci3Department of Agriculture, Forests, Nature and Energy (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, ItalyDepartment of Agriculture, Forests, Nature and Energy (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, ItalyDepartment of Architecture and Design (DiAP), Sapienza–University of Rome, 00185 Roma, ItalyDepartment of Agriculture, Forests, Nature and Energy (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, ItalyThrough a systematic review of sustainable rural dwelling recovery, this study offers a broader reflection on retrofitting practices, viewing eco-efficiency as a means to enhance both cultural heritage and agricultural landscapes. The work is based on the assumption that vernacular architecture in rural contexts embodies historical, cultural, and typological values worthy of preservation, while remaining adaptable to reuse through eco-efficient solutions and technological innovation. Using the PRISMA protocol, 115 scientific contributions were selected from 1711 initial records and classified into four macro-groups: landscape relationships; seismic and energy retrofitting; construction techniques and innovative materials; and morphological–typological analysis. Results show a predominance (over 50%) of passive design strategies, compatible materials, and low-impact techniques, while active systems are applied more selectively to protect cultural integrity. The study identifies replicable methodological models combining sustainability, cultural continuity, and functional adaptation, offering recommendations for future operational guidelines. Conscious eco-efficient retrofitting thus emerges as a strategic tool for the integrated valorization of rural landscapes and heritage.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/15/4065rural buildingvernacular architectureenergy retrofittingseismic adaptationpassive designagricultural landscape
spellingShingle Stefano Bigiotti
Mariangela Ludovica Santarsiero
Anna Irene Del Monaco
Alvaro Marucci
Eco-Efficient Retrofitting of Rural Heritage: A Systematic Review of Sustainable Strategies
Energies
rural building
vernacular architecture
energy retrofitting
seismic adaptation
passive design
agricultural landscape
title Eco-Efficient Retrofitting of Rural Heritage: A Systematic Review of Sustainable Strategies
title_full Eco-Efficient Retrofitting of Rural Heritage: A Systematic Review of Sustainable Strategies
title_fullStr Eco-Efficient Retrofitting of Rural Heritage: A Systematic Review of Sustainable Strategies
title_full_unstemmed Eco-Efficient Retrofitting of Rural Heritage: A Systematic Review of Sustainable Strategies
title_short Eco-Efficient Retrofitting of Rural Heritage: A Systematic Review of Sustainable Strategies
title_sort eco efficient retrofitting of rural heritage a systematic review of sustainable strategies
topic rural building
vernacular architecture
energy retrofitting
seismic adaptation
passive design
agricultural landscape
url https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/15/4065
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AT annairenedelmonaco ecoefficientretrofittingofruralheritageasystematicreviewofsustainablestrategies
AT alvaromarucci ecoefficientretrofittingofruralheritageasystematicreviewofsustainablestrategies