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We're delighted to share some information about the CALECHE project with you. Find out more about our project, its objectives, initial progress and upcoming challenges.

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How can we honor the past while building for tomorrow?

CALECHE Project in a nutschell

The CALECHE project develops sustainable, efficient solutions for historic buildings that respect their cultural and aesthetic value. Our goal is to ensure that heritage sites become more comfortable, energy-efficient, and en­vironmentally friendly, while remaining open, accessible, inclusive, and resilient.

By combining innovative technologies with a respect for conservation rules, CALECHE brings Europe’s cultural heritage to life for fu­ture generations.

CALECHE is advancing its innovative solutions by leveraging insights from its real-world case studies.

CALECHE is more than a project; it is a collaborative network of European partners and experts. We are architects, engineers, historians, scientists and industrials united by a common goal “to make Europe’s historic buildings more livable, accessible, and environmentally sustainable”

How can we draw from history to design innovative, sustainable communities?

17 European partners and experts

CEA
(France)

CEREMA
(France)

Dowel Innovation
(France)

Effin’Art
(Switzerland)

ETT
(Italy)

EURAC Research
(Italy)

FEDERCOSTRUZIONI
(Italy)

FEDERICO II
(Italy)

Institut Arthur Piaget
(Switzerland)

LMNT Consultancy
(Switzerland)

Lund University
(Sweden)

MTU
(Ireland)

R2M Solution
(France)

STBA
(United Kingdom)

Stress
(Italy)

VIMARK
(Italy)

WHITE
(Sweden)

Four Use Cases with unique characteristics and potential

The CALECHE project is grounded in a real-world application, utilizing a series of strategically selected demo sites across Europe. These sites are our living laboratories, where the principles and innovations of the CALECHE project come to life. Each location has been chosen for its unique characteristics and potential to contribute to our understanding of sustainable renovation in historic settings.

From urban centers to secluded landmarks, our use cases offer a glimpse into the diverse challenges and opportunities that historic buildings present. They are the canvas on which we will demonstrate the viability and impact of our approaches, ensuring that our solutions are robust, scalable, and culturally sensitive.

Donner House: Where History Meets Sustainability

In the heart of Visby, Sweden – a UNESCO World Heritage city – stands The Donner House, a living connection to history.
Built in the 13th century, this remarkable building once served as a bustling trade hub during the Hanseatic League. Its architecture reflects the wealth and ingenuity of its merchant roots, a testament to Visby’s role as a Baltic powerhouse.
Today, The Donner House is more than just a historical landmark. As part of the CALECHE Project, it has been transformed into a living lab for sustainable restoration. The challenge? Combine cutting-edge energy efficiency techniques with the delicate art of preserving centuries-old heritage.
In an area protected by UNESCO, The Donner House is recognized as one of the best-preserved fortified commercial cities in Northern Europe. Every innovation here must meet strict standards to safeguard its historical significance while paving the way for a sustainable future.

Le Locle & la Chaux-de-Fonds: From tradition to tomorrow

Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Jura Mountains, Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds stand as enduring symbols of innovation and precision. Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these neighbouring towns tell a story of how ingenuity can shape communities.

The cradle of watchmaking
Dating back to the 17th century, Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds developed a unique urban layout tailored to watchmaking. This blend of functionality and artistry reflects a time when craftsmanship was the lifeblood of these towns.

Where heritage meets moderity
Today, these towns remain vibrant centers of watchmaking excellence. As part of the CALECHE Project, they serve as living labs to explore sustainable development. The focus? Enhance energy efficiency while preserving their rich architectural and cultural heritage.
Balancing the future with the past requires creative solutions. By intertwining tradition with sustainability, le Locle and la Chaux-de-Fonds are leading the way in crafting a resilient, forward-looking legacy.

Villa Matarazzo: elegance, history, and sustainability

Perched on the picturesque Adriatic coast in Ercolano, Italy, Villa Matarazzo is a stunning testament to timeless beauty and cultural heritage.

A legacy of grandeur
Built in the early 20th century by Count Matarazzo, this magnificent villa reflects the opulence and architectural finesse of its era. Surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the sea, Villa Matarazzo embodies the charm of Italy’s historic coastal estates.

Where heritage meets innovation
As part of the CALECHE Project, Villa Matarazzo is being reimagined as a beacon of sustainable preservation. The challenge? Merge modern energy solutions with the villa’s historical integrity, ensuring that its architectural splendor is conserved for future generations.

From energy-efficient restorations to innovative climate control solutions, every step honors the villa’s unique character while setting a precedent for sustainable practices in heritage sites.

Old Museum and Library of Grenoble: a legacy of knowledge and sustainability 

Nestled in the historic heart of Grenoble, France, the Old Museum and Library stands as a testament to the city’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage. This architectural gem, built in the 19th century, is a cornerstone of Grenoble’s identity – a place where the past inspires the future.

A hub of knowledge
Once a vibrant center for learning and cultural exchange, the Old Museum and Library has been a beacon for generations of scholars and art enthusiasts. Its neoclassical architecture, with grand facades and intricate interiors, reflects the spirit of 19th-century enlightenment.

Where heritage meets innovation
As part of the CALECHE Project, this iconic site is undergoing a transformative journey. The mission? To preserve its historical essence while pioneering sustainable practices. From advanced energy retrofitting to innovative climate control systems, every effort seeks to honor the building’s legacy while adapting it for future needs.

Situated in a UNESCO-recognized urban environment, the Old Museum and Library exemplifies the balance between protecting cultural treasures and embracing modern sustainability. This living lab explores how heritage conservation can lead the way toward greener, smarter cities.

How can we safeguard our cultural treasures
while embracing sustainability?

Meetings and Events

Past meetings

October 11^th and 12^th, 2023 – Kickoff in Chambéry (FRA)

This first CALECHE project kick-off meeting was first and foremost an opportunity for the partners to introduce themselves and get to know each other. After an introduction by the project officer, the Workpackages leaders presented the outlines of the various parts of the project, the overall and specific objectives, the approaches and methods envisaged, and the expected results. A first meeting rich in exchanges, officially launching the start of a project dedicated to redefining the renovation of Europe’s historic buildings blending the preservation of our rich built cultural heritage with cutting-edge sustainable practices.

February 31^st, 2024 – Transformative Workshop in Visby

The workshop and seminar organized by INHERIT and Uppsala University on "Climate adaptation, sustainable renovation, and development of the cultural environment in Visby" took place in Visby. The event truly underscores the importance of multisided and multidisciplinary dialogue in achieving our climate and energy goals through circular strategies and innovation at heritage sites. A day full of commitment, inspiring and motivating for the pursuit of the CALECHE project's objectives in sustainable heritage conservation.

April 24^th and 15^th, 2024 – GA in Visby (SWE)

The second General Assembly Meeting for the CALECHE project took place in Visby Region Gotland. The two-day meeting had focus on developing efficient strategies for making our heritage buildings energetically efficient while preserving their historical value. There are many challenges, and solutions will come from interdisciplinary co-thinking, negotiation, and innovation! Donnerska Huset is one of our four use cases at the centre of the pretty UNESCO town of Visby!

October 22^nd and 23^rd, 2024 – GA in Naples (ITA)

The third General Assembly Meeting for the CALECHE project took place in Naples. Over the two days meeting, experts from across Europe will gather to discuss our progress and the future of energy-efficient renovation of historical buildings. The meeting has been followed by the site visits to Villa Campolieto and Villa Matarazzo in Ercolano to explore real-world applications of our research.

Next meetings

April 2^nd and 3^rd, 2024 – GA in La Chaux-de-Fonds (CHE)

The next meeting will take place in April in La Chaux-de-Fonds, in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. This will be an opportunity for the partners to stroll through the streets of this UNESCO World Heritage city and discover the technological innovations developed in Neuchâtel, particularly in terms of solar energy.

Events

5th International Conference EEHB – Krems (AUT)

The 5th International Conference on Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings was held for the first time in two countries and cities at the same time: Singapore & Krems-Austria in early October 2024. 

Achieving the goals of reducing energy consumption and climate change will require the contribution of all sectors including the construction industry. Historic and traditional buildings represent a significant and growing proportion of the world´s building stock. Solutions are needed that respect the historic fabric of these buildings while contributing to energy efficiency improvements.

Cerema and Institut Arthur Piaget, partners of CALECHE Project presented some of the CALECHE results and shared insights on how to reconcile renewable energy with heritage conservation.

This conference was the perfect opportunity to explore how today’s energy challenges can be tackled while respecting architectural and cultural treasures.

How can we ensure our historical landmarks thrive
in a sustainable future?

Publications

Brochure

The CALECHE project brochure was published in early 2025, available in English, French, and Italian. This 4-page brochure provides a clear and concise overview of the project's objectives and Use cases – perfect for discovering CALECHE or sharing it further. Feel free to check it out and share it with anyone interested in our initiatives!

Papers 

We are pleased to announce the publication of the article entitled "Multi-Benefit Decision-Making Process for Historic Buildings: Validation of the CALECHE HUM Conceptual Model Through a Literature Review" in the prestigious journal Heritage, as part of the special issue on the adaptive reuse of historic buildings.
This paper, led by Noëlle-Laetitia Perret (Institut Arthur Piaget, Switzerland), and co-authored by Élodie HÉBERLÉ (Cerema, France) and Laure-Emmanuelle Perret (LMNT Consultancy, Switzerland), presents a validated model for multi-benefit decision-making in historic buildings.
This article is the result of a significant interdisciplinary collaboration between Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) and Engineering/Technology, highlighting an intellectually stimulating and complex challenge!
This research is a key contribution to the CALECHE initiative (https://calecheproject.eu/ ) and aims to advance the understanding of heritage rehabilitation and conservation practices.

Join Us in Preserving Our Heritage

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calecheproject.eu