Architectural integration of ETICS in building rehabilitation

• The architectural integration of ETICS is a challenging problem.
• The authors propose several solutions to integrating ETICS.
• The solutions were evaluated under different criteria.

ETICS (external thermal insulation composite system) is one of the most frequently used thermal retrofitting solutions in the construction market. This study examines the architectural integration of this system in the rehabilitation of façades. When thermal retrofitting of the outer envelope is required to comply with thermal code demands ETICSs have to be harmonised with the various elements of the façade. To that effect, several proposals for the architectural integration of the system are made, and relevant parameters of costs, durability, feasibility and architectural integration are analysed for each of the solutions.