Recreation, Education and Personal Development Centre for Children

Context and Energy Audit

The existing building of the children's recreation centre in Sector 5 of Bucharest Municipality presented significant energy deficiencies, with a primary energy consumption of approximately 280 kWh/sqm/year -- over three times current standards. The energy audit conducted during the preparation of the Intervention Works Approval Documentation (D.A.L.I.) identified major thermal losses through the building envelope, a low-efficiency heating system, and the complete absence of mechanical ventilation.

Thermographic analysis revealed thermal bridges at floor slab level, at the junction of external walls with window frames, and at the flat roof level. The excessive energy consumption generated high operational costs and inadequate thermal comfort conditions for the educational and recreational activities intended for children.

The total investment value of 24 million RON was substantiated through the feasibility study, taking into account both the energy efficiency component and the functional rehabilitation of interior spaces.

Proposed Energy Efficiency Measures

The energy efficiency package encompasses interventions on all building envelope components. External walls were thermally insulated with an ETICS system using 15 cm graphite-enhanced expanded polystyrene, reducing the thermal transfer coefficient from 1.2 W/sqmK to 0.22 W/sqmK.

External joinery was integrally replaced with windows and doors featuring five-chamber PVC profiles and triple insulating glazing, with a Uw coefficient of 0.9 W/sqm*K. The flat roof was rehabilitated with a 20 cm basalt mineral wool thermal insulation system, including a vapour barrier and membrane-type waterproofing.

The central heating system was modernised with a condensing boiler operating at 98% efficiency, complemented by a solar thermal panel system for domestic hot water preparation. The mechanical heat recovery ventilation system, operating at 85% efficiency, ensures indoor air quality in accordance with standards for spaces designated for children.

Functional Space Rehabilitation

The functional rehabilitation interventions targeted the reorganisation of interior spaces to meet the current requirements of educational and recreational activities. The 6,500 sqm usable area was reconfigured into distinct zones: creative activity rooms, a library with media centre, sports and dance halls, fine arts workshops, and science laboratories.

Interior finishes were selected from ecological materials, certified for use in spaces designated for children, featuring antistatic, antibacterial properties and high wear resistance. Interior lighting was designed in accordance with illumination standards for educational spaces, with LED fixtures offering variable colour temperature and adjustable illumination levels.

The exterior space was landscaped with an inclusive playground, play areas for children with disabilities, a didactic garden, and an open-air amphitheatre for cultural activities.

Sustainability Impact

The implemented energy efficiency measures reduced the building's primary energy consumption from 280 kWh/sqm/year to approximately 85 kWh/sqm/year, representing savings exceeding 70%. Annual CO2 emissions associated with building operation decreased proportionally, from 142 tonnes CO2/year to approximately 43 tonnes CO2/year.

The post-rehabilitation energy performance certificate classifies the building in class A, compared to class E prior to the intervention. Annual utility cost savings, estimated at approximately 180,000 RON, enable the recovery of the additional energy efficiency investment within approximately 8 years.

The project demonstrates the potential for energy rehabilitation of existing public buildings, serving as a case study for the national building renovation programme funded through European resources.