Renovation of the box-type windows on the listed “Rainerhof” building in Klagenfurt

The thesis focuses on the restoration of historic box-type windows, which are an important element of Austria’s cultural heritage, and is based on a project by the company Schaden Fensterhandwerk GmbH, where I am employed.

It begins by presenting the history and development of the company, which plays a central role in restoration work. The company is divided into several specialized working groups, which enables efficient implementation of the various project phases.

The central research topic of the thesis is the restoration of a historic building, its location and former use, which significantly influence the conservation decisions. The box-type windows of this building required a thorough condition analysis before restoration.

Their significance is multi-layered; they are not only aesthetic elements, but also have a high historical and architectural value. The historical development of the box-type windows reflects the era in which they were designed and thus contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage in Austria.

In this context, I analyzed the windows in terms of their physical properties. – including shape, insulation, sound and water resistance and their durability – in order to be able to make a well-founded assessment of the restoration methods

The restoration process comprises several phases, including assessing the condition, selecting suitable restoration measures and carrying out the work. A combination of traditional techniques and modern methods are used. Particular emphasis is placed on improving the functionality of the windows, especially with regard to energy efficiency and protection against environmental influences.

The installation of historically designed single windows is an important solution here, as it combines the preservation of originality with modern technological standards. Another central aspect of the work is the cost analysis, which includes the expenditure for raw materials, materials and labor as well as the possible financing options for the project.

The economic viability of the restoration plays a key role in the planning and implementation of such restoration projects. The final part of the thesis examines the possible applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in window restoration. AI enables the optimization of processes as well as greater precision and efficiency, which is particularly relevant in the wood industry and in restoration projects.

Developments in the field of AI open up new perspectives and opportunities for the future of conservation.

The thesis emphasizes the importance of preserving historical elements for cultural heritage and demonstrates how modern technologies can enable sustainable and efficient restoration. The project provides a comprehensive insight into the challenges, solutions and benefits of combining tradition and innovation, which are fundamental to the further development and sustainability of restoration practices.