Edificio Comunale Ex-Asilo Fiorio.

The Building

The municipally owned lot on which the property subject to the intervention stands is located in Via M. Caudana 104, in the municipality of Castiglione Torinese (TO), at the intersection with Str. Rubattera. Inserted in the PRGC in force in SL 312 area as school equipment. The context in which the Ex Asilo Fiorio subject of the intervention is inserted is characterized by naturalistic and historical-cultural peculiarities. In fact, the municipality of Castiglione Torinese is part of it of the “Municipalities of the Mab-Unesco Collina Po Biosphere Reserve”, for its environmental richness and naturalistic. The area is also characterized by numerous historical-cultural attractions and religious, such as the Eremo dei Frati alla Rezza founded in 1838, the Chapel of Santa Maria Nascente, dating back to the 15th century, or the Church of San Rocco, built in 1720 adjacent at the EX Asilo Fiorio. Therefore the property, surrounded by greenery and inserted in a dense network of hilly paths widely connected with many other neighboring areas, it takes on a tourist interest which encourages its use for a permanent exhibition.

The Solution

Solution post-intervention

What is the Solution?

Extrados insulation of the cold attic room, with 20 cm of cellulose fibre.

Why Does it work?

The choice to use cellulose fibre for the attic insulation was made precisely because, as a natural and breathable material, it protects the historic structure from moisture while respecting traditional materials and improving energy efficiency without compromising the building’s authenticity.

PROS

Natural and sustainable material
High breathability, prevents moisture buildup
Compatible with traditional materials like lime
Good thermal and acoustic performance
Easy to install even in irregular or complex spaces

CONS

It requires careful installation to avoid compaction or settling over time

Insulation material

Cellulose fibre

Insulation thickness

200

Thermal conductivity

0.039

Health issue

information not available

Technical drawings

cop .jpg

Installation Method

The external appearance of the roof was not altered. The attic floor was insulated—rather than the roof itself—as the space is not habitable, using 20 cm of cellulose fibre insulation. To avoid thermal bridging, the underside of the attic floor was insulated with calcium silicate boards, as shown in the attached technical details.

Moisture Management and Technical Compatibility

information not available

Airtightness

information not available

Before retrofit

After retrofit

Before retrofit

Roof thickness

170

After retrofit

Roof thickness

370

Before retrofit

Roof build-up

Slab with brick blocks and precast concrete beams [160 mm], plaster [10]

After retrofit

Roof build-up

cellulose fibre [200 mm], Slab with brick blocks and precast concrete beams [160 mm], plaster [10]

Before retrofit

U-value

1.96

After retrofit

U-value

0.176

Assessment

Thermal envelope position

Loft / Ceiling of the last floor / Attic

Roof structure maintained

Yes

Insulation position

Above the load bearing structure

Roof covering maintained

Yes

Roof U-value

U <=0.25

Insulation type

Natural: biogenic

Circular approach

Yes

Reversibility

Yes

Investment cost

Medium High

Location

Castiglione Torinese, Italy - 304m

Climatic Zone:Cfb

The Building