Transparent Climate Screen for Historic Fieldstone Walls: Modelling, Demonstration and Comparative Validation

The Estonian University of Life Sciences is seeking partners to develop and validate a reversible glazed secondary façade or transparent climate screen for existing historic fieldstone walls in cold climates.

The concept builds directly on Kadri Leiten’s doctoral research concerning the long-term hygrothermal behaviour and moisture-related damage risks of internally insulated massive masonry walls. The proposed follow-up study would investigate whether a ventilated transparent external screen could protect the existing fieldstone wall from wind-driven rain while preserving the visibility and architectural character of the masonry.

The work would combine:

1. development of a coupled heat and moisture transport model for the fieldstone wall and glazed climate screen;

2. design and construction of a full-scale experimental wall section or a pilot solution on an existing building;

3. long-term monitoring of temperature, relative humidity, moisture content, heat flow and outdoor and cavity conditions;

4. comparison of the numerical model using measured data; and

5. comparison between an untreated fieldstone wall, an internally insulated wall and a wall protected by a glazed secondary façade.

The comparison would assess thermal comfort, energy performance, moisture accumulation, condensation, mould and freeze-thaw risks, summer overheating, durability, maintenance requirements, lifecycle impacts and heritage compatibility.

A building or wall within the historic Mooste manor complex could serve as a potential Estonian demonstration site, subject to agreement with the owner and heritage authorities.

We are looking for a Horizon Europe project coordinator and partners specialising in façade engineering, heritage architecture, hygrothermal modelling, monitoring systems, lifecycle assessment, circular construction and demonstration activities in another European climate zone.