Sustainable Retrofit and Renovation of Tenement Houses: The Challenges of Heritage Protection and Adapting the Historical Fabric to Contemporary Standards

Abstract The need to meet the criteria of sustainable residential architecture presents new challenges for designers and developers. One type of project that aligns with this approach is the renewal of historic residential buildings. This article focuses on the retrofit and renovation of tenement houses. As part of cultural heritage, these buildings require transformations that combine the preservation of historical value with adaptation to contemporary functional, technical, and environmental standards. The article analyses key interventions in building structures related to the implementation of sustainable development principles, such as modifications to original structural elements, improvements in energy efficiency, and the conservation or reconstruction of façade details. The text emphasises the importance of a holistic approach that considers environmental and social needs, as well as the legal and technical constraints that limit possible interventions. The analyses presented underscore the need for dialogue among architects, heritage conservation specialists, and building users.