Analysis of the Thermal Properties of Soft Silica Limestone Walls of Traditional Buildings in Central Poland

• Published in: Materials Vol. 18; no. 10; p. 2399
• Main Authors: Gorączko, Aleksandra, Szczepaniak, Paula, Gorączko, Marcin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 21.05.2025; MDPI
• Subjects: Analysis; Boundary conditions; Buildings; Clay; Construction; Context; Cultural heritage; Cultural resources; Energy consumption; Energy efficiency; Flux density; Heat flux; Heat transfer coefficients; Heterogeneous structure; Historic buildings & sites; Historic preservation; Humidity; Interdisciplinary research; Interdisciplinary studies; Limestone; Masonry; Modernization; Performance evaluation; Quarries; Residential buildings; Retrofitting; Silica; Silicon dioxide; Stone; Temperature distribution; Thermal comfort; Thermal properties; Thermodynamic properties; Vernacular architecture; Poland; stone walls; opoka; regional architecture; soft limestone; insulation
• ISSN: 1996-1944; 1996-1944
• DOI: 10.3390/ma18102399

The challenge of thermally upgrading traditional stone masonry buildings is addressed through the analysis of a representative example typical of regional rural architecture in central Poland, constructed using soft silica limestone and clay mortar. These buildings, which form an important part of the local cultural heritage, are increasingly becoming the subject of interdisciplinary research and conservation initiatives. This study presents a detailed characterization of the materials and architectural features specific to this building typology. Thermal transmittance calculations were performed and analyzed, with the use of THERM 7.6.1.0 software enabling precise modeling of the wall’s heterogeneous structure. The physical and thermal properties of natural materials—particularly soft silica limestone and clay—were taken into account. The analysis included evaluation of the heat transfer coefficient, temperature distribution, and heat flux density for a reference wall model, as well as for variants with both internal and external insulation layers. The study explores thermal comfort and energy performance within the broader context of preserving and reusing historic rural buildings. Furthermore, the findings are discussed in relation to current European energy efficiency regulations and heritage protection frameworks. The scientific value of this work lies in its context-specific, material-sensitive methodology and in providing practical insight into balancing energy retrofitting with architectural conservation.