Demonstrations
The HERIT4AGES project showcases various demonstration sites that represent diverse geographical areas with unique local conditions like climate, social dynamics, and economic status. The solutions will be verified first in a Heritage Testing lab located in the Romanesque hermitage of Canduela in Spain.
The solutions will be then implemented in the Heritage Living labs located at Posada Santa María la Real in Spain, Korporatsioon Vironia in Estonia, the Engineering Building at the University of Bologna in Italy, and social housing in Funchal (Madeira) in Portugal.
Heritage Testing lab
Heritage Living labs
Heritage Testing lab
The Heritage Testing lab will be crucial in the HERIT4AGES project for testing solutions in a controlled environment, free from human interference. This controlled environment enables precise measurements of variables that could otherwise distort results, like temperature differences before and after implementing solutions. Factors such as when people open windows or doors, or how often spaces are occupied, can greatly affect results but are harder to regulate and measure accurately.
Romanesque hermitage of Canduela
Canduela, Spain
Originally in ruins until its restoration in 1990, the hermitage dates back to the 13th century and was renovated again in 2012 to serve as an experimental centre for applied research in Cultural Heritage. This transformation was part of the Northern Romanesque Intervention Plan. Once a church, now known as the Heritage laboratory, it offers a unique setting for testing restoration and construction materials.
Heritage Living labs
The solutions will be implemented in the Heritage Living labs locatedin Spain, Estonia, Italy, and (Madeira) in Portugal. These sites are actively used buildings, making them crucial for evaluating solutions in real-world scenarios and involving stakeholders in the co-creation and acceptance process. Apart from assessing the performance of HERIT4AGES solutions, these living labs will provide valuable insights into installation challenges, user interactions, comfort improvements, and overall acceptance of the solutions.
Posada Santa María la Real
Aguilar de Campoo, Spain
The Posada Santa María la Real in Aguilar de Campoo, Spain, is a historic hotel built on the remains of an 18th-century structure located next to the Santa María la Real Monastery. As one of the HERIT4AGES Living Labs, the site provides a real operational environment for testing sustainable renovation approaches in heritage buildings.
In January 2025, advanced environmental monitoring sensors were installed by Fundación Santa María la Real to monitor temperature fluctuations, humidity levels, air quality, heating patterns, and ventilation efficiency before and after the implementation of HERIT4AGES renovation panels. The site has also hosted co-creation activities focused on sustainable renovation materials and solutions, including pressed clay wall panels, thermal floors made from industrial waste, and compressed straw fibre ceilings.
Relevant articles
Korporatsioon Vironia
Tartu, Estonia
Korporatsioon Vironia in Tartu, Estonia, is an 18th-century historic building serving as one of the HERIT4AGES Living Labs. The site provides a real-life testing environment for innovative renovation technologies while preserving the building’s historic character.
Activities at the site have included the installation of HERIT4AGES wall panel solutions, together with environmental monitoring systems tracking temperature, humidity, air quality, and other indoor parameters. A key milestone was the implementation of wall panels, followed by sensor checking and monitoring activities in spring 2026 to support the assessment of indoor environmental conditions and renovation performance. The site has also supported co-creation workshops focused on user needs and sustainable renovation approaches.
Relevant articles
Engineering Building at the University of Bologna
Bologna, Italy
The Engineering Building at the University of Bologna, constructed between 1932 and 1935, is a Modernist heritage building serving as one of the HERIT4AGES Living Labs in Italy. The site provides an operational university environment where innovative renovation technologies are tested under real building conditions while respecting the architectural value of the structure.
In January 2025, advanced environmental monitoring sensors were installed throughout the building to collect data related to indoor conditions, air quality, occupancy, and energy performance. The site reached another important milestone with the installation of HERIT4AGES wall panel solutions designed to improve thermal comfort and energy efficiency. The implemented solutions are connected to the HERIT4AGES Digital Twin ecosystem, enabling continuous performance evaluation. The Bologna Living Lab has also hosted co-design activities involving researchers, technical experts, students, and project partners, focusing on sustainable renovation solutions using clay-based insulation panels and locally sourced recycled materials.
Relevant articles
Social Housing
Funchal, Madeira
In the historic downtown, stands an old residential house that has been a part of the city’s landscape since 1937. Located in Funchal, the capital city of Portugal’s island Madeira. Over the years, it has witnessed the passage of time and the evolving stories of its inhabitants. In 2006, the house underwent a renovation, breathing new life into its ageing walls while preserving its historical charm. Today, it continues to serve its original purpose as a housing building. With its rich history and timeless allure, this old residential house remains a cherished landmark in Funchal’s vibrant community.
