The project
A 1970s semi-detached house in the Savena district of Bologna. A complete retrofit: 22 BlueEvolution 72 PVC windows with low-emissivity double glazing (Ug 1.1) and Maco RC2 hardware, paired with Somfy motorised aluminium shutters with integrated Z-Wave home automation. A documented 41% reduction in heating consumption was recorded in the first heating season.
The context
A 1970s semi-detached house in the Savena district of Bologna, part of a complete energy retrofit. The original single-glazed aluminium windows and manually operated roller shutters were the weakest point of the building envelope, driving high heating bills through a long Emilian winter and offering no real protection against forced entry or exterior noise from the nearby road. As with much of Bologna's 1970s residential stock, the fabric had never been upgraded since construction.
The technical solution
Twenty-two windows were replaced with Salamander BlueEvolution 72 PVC profiles fitted with low-emissivity double glazing (Ug 1.1 W/m²K) and Maco RC2-rated anti-burglary hardware on ground-floor and easily accessible openings. The shutter system was upgraded to motorised aluminium roller shutters by Somfy, integrated into a Z-Wave home automation setup so the whole house can be controlled and scheduled from a single app, including seasonal shading routines.
The outcome
The retrofit delivered a documented reduction in heating consumption from the first season of use, alongside a marked improvement in acoustic comfort and resistance to break-in attempts. The motorised shutters add daily convenience and support further energy savings through scheduled shading in summer. Windows and shutters were manufactured to measure and supplied ready for installation, coordinated with the family's own fitting contractor throughout the works.