This project is part of a broader programme for urban rehabilitation in the old neighbourhood "Palaia" in Volos. The demonstration project is the restoration of two abandoned industrial complexes of remarkable architectural significance by introducing new uses and financial activities and integrating innovative solar and energy saving technologies. Tsalapatas Brickworks is transformed into an exhibition centre and industrial museum, while the former disinfestation unit houses the newly established Regional Energy Centre of Thessalia. For the City of Volos the demonstration project is seen as a pilot case to help establish low energy consumption standards at competitive costs for industrial buildings, which form an important part of the architectural heritage in Greece and throughout Europe as well. This project is converting the old industrial complexes into modern and energy-efficient bioclimatic buildings satisfying public purposes, such as museum, cinema, exposition hall, video wall room, Regional Energy Centre, etc. The rehabilitated buildings consist of three buildings of an old brick and tiles factory, two brick drying stores, the kiln and lastly an ex grain sterilisation hangar of the Ministry of Agriculture.

A range of low energy technologies is applied in the project. Firstly the entire retrofitting process is designed to optimise the use of solar energy. The relative position and dimensions of windows and roof are designed to maximise the penetration and diffusion of natural light during winter and to provide shade during the summer. The orientation of the roof is adjusted to optimise direct incident solar radiation in order to host photovoltaic panels. The glazing applied is designed to enhance solar gains and lightning, for example by installing glazed walls with glass bricks. Thermal insulation capacity is also enhanced by installing energy efficient glazing and by thoroughly insulating roofs, floors and to some extent, the walls. The old chimneys are rehabilitated into solar chimneys in order to enhance natural ventilation, and solar water heating collectors installed on them. Lastly installing electronic light modulators reduces the electricity demand. Partial energy savings of up to 70% are expected compared to the initial state of the buildings.

Experiences gained by local engineers and other involved parties of the project are expected to have a very high demonstrative value, and represent an important replication effect.

The Palaia project is completed, however as technical data and experiences are still accumulating, additional information will be added when received.