In this article, the authors will attempt to answer the question: how to design in the countryside in relation to the existing historical and cultural context? The aim of the article is to present the results of research that has been used to conceptualise the contemporary Lusatian house. Contemporary Upper Lusatian housing does not always fit into the cultural context of the region. Single-family houses do not relate to the existing historic architectural heritage (e.g. in terms of the materials used, technology, mass or shape of the building) or, on the contrary, are literal reconstructions of historic post supported buildings, which is not in line with the art of conservation (Venice Charter). An analysis of the selected buildings according to specific criteria was carried out and based on this, guidelines for the project were drawn up. The result of the described case study is the presentation of a contemporary design solution for Lusatian architecture on the Polish-Czech-German border triangle, which is likely to be realised.

The paper presents select in situ and numerical investigations related to improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings. Using the case study of a historic timber building as an example, the procedure of the in situ investigation of its existing condition is presented. This procedure included measuring the moisture of the timber elements, determining the presence of fungi, mold, and wood-destroying insects, infrared camera inspection, and measuring the microclimate of the rooms. According to the conclusions of the building survey report, conservation guidelines were proposed. On the basis of those proposed guidelines, thermal upgrades were suggested, including insulation on the inside of the envelope components. Detailed numerical calculations were provided for the proposed thermal insulation systems. Those included a hygrothermal performance evaluation in the context of the change in the moisture content of timber elements in the insulated envelope components. The risk of mold development on the surface of selected junctions was also estimated. The key outcome of this study is a proprietary procedure for improving the thermal protection quality of envelope components of historic timber buildings.