CORK IN TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION: TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE REHABILITATION & SMART VILLAGES

Abstract

The use of cork as a material in traditional architecture is well-established, particularly prevalent in European regions. In the Madonie Park, a hub in Sicily nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Basin, and its 21 constituent villages, the use of local materials is a distinctive feature in traditional architecture, where attention to the principles of circular economy has always been paramount. Cork is encountered as a primary material used in historical and traditional techniques, finding application in various construction systems such as gypsum mortars or thermal insulating plasters, wooden and gypsum floors or partition wall, and staircases, contributing not only to structural lightness but especially to thermal insulation. In building rehabilitation sites, it is imperative to adhere not only to traditional construction techniques but also to minimum environmental criteria, adopting sustainable and responsible approaches derived from the past, such as the use of traditional materials like cork. The integration of tradition and innovation towards energy efficiency in buildings constitutes a virtuous cycle of material recycling, which not only facilitates the rehabilitation of traditional buildings with but also contributes to the development of smarter, more resilient, and sustainable communities. This approach extends beyond mere construction, promoting the design and management of building interventions oriented towards long-term sustainability and the valorization of local architectural heritage and the compliance with the rules of the art, as well as local resources. In this context, the use of cork emerges as a versatile and eco-friendly solution, capable of harmonizing tradition, innovation, and environmental management, promoting smart rehabilitation of architectural heritage and the creation of smart villages in the sustainable rehabilitation processes of historic structures.