Evidence-Driven Multi-Objective Optimisation for Evaluating Built Heritage Renovation in Mediterranean Dry–Hot Climates

Abstract Historic palaces in hot, dry climates must improve energy performance and indoor environmental quality without compromising their cultural, architectural, and material authenticity. Conventional renovation measures, such as extensive insulation, façade modification, or mechanical upgrades, risk damaging historic fabric and eroding heritage value, particularly given heterogeneous and deteriorated materials. Existing approaches rarely integrate energy and comfort standards, deterioration risks, or heritage preservation, and decisions often rely on qualitative judgement rather than performance-based evidence. This study asks how a performance-driven workflow can support the optimisation of renovated heritage buildings in hot, dry climates, especially in South Mediterranean countries such as Egypt, in terms of energy, daylight, and thermal comfort while respecting conservation constraints. Saffron Palace in Cairo, designed by Anton Laščak and now an educational museum, serves as the case study. The methodology combines architectural documentation, hygrothermal and daylight monitoring, and material deterioration assessment with a parametric BIM model linked to calibrated energy and daylight simulations. Passive and envelope strategies are evaluated through multi-objective optimisation. Expected outcomes include renovation strategies that enhance efficiency and indoor quality while retaining cultural identity, a decision-support guideline for policymakers and stakeholders, and consideration of climate-change resilience and risk.