Energy efficiency meets Heritage on Lake Como

The rendering of historical buildings more energy efficient is a theme of particular impact when considering the overall sustainability of a structure, in particular in a country like Italy. One example of how to balance respect for historical value with green innovation is represented by the works carried out on the roof of the Grand Hotel Menaggio, a renowned hotel dating back to the late 1800s situated on the central-western shores of lake Como.

Once the old, damaged tiles had been removed and the substrate levelled, the roof was covered with a layer of breathable Elytex-N, over which the XL version of Isotec thermal insulation System by Brianza Plastica, which offers increased ventilation, were positioned. This choice granted significant benefits in terms of  insulation and therefore thermal comfort for the residential units situated in the attic space. Isotec XL is a panel with a highly insulating, rigid, expanded-polyurethane core, covered on both sides with a layer of embossed aluminium, for waterproofing.

The integrated metal stiffener added during production serves as both a support surface for the tiles and to create a ventilation chamber. The passage of air under the tiles during winter facilitates the rapid dispersal of humidity, while in summer it promotes the dispersion of heat generated by direct sunlight on the external cladding. The energy efficiency works with Isotec System have provided the building with a functional and high-performance roof, improving both thermal transmittance and lag.

This was the first time that the construction company involved had installed the Isotec XL System, and the staff were particularly impressed with how simple and rapid application was: the installation of the new insulation system over an area of 700 m2 of roofing took just one month to complete, a determining factor as the works had to be finished before the hotel reopened at the end of winter.