As part of Serbia’s national study within the Eu-Repair project (EUKI – European Climate Initiative), the Innovation Center of the University of Niš (ICUN) analyzed the adaptive reuse and planned energy refurbishment of one of Serbia’s most iconic heritage buildings – the Belgrade Railway Station.

Designed in the late 19th century by architects Wilhelm von Flattich and von Schlicht, with engineering by Dragutin Dragiša Milutinović, this neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque masterpiece has long symbolized Belgrade’s link to Europe. Under the Law on Cultural Heritage, it is registered as a cultural property of great importance, requiring all works to strictly respect its original proportions, facade composition, and interior ornamentation.

From Transport Hub to Museum:

The ongoing conversion of the station into the new Historical Museum of Serbia exemplifies how adaptive reuse can merge cultural preservation with energy efficiency. While external façade interventions are prohibited, subtle internal upgrades were approved to improve comfort and sustainability.

Energy improvement measures include:

• Installation of 20 cm mineral wool insulation on the top-floor ceiling.

• 10 cm XPS insulation on ceilings above the basement to reduce heat loss.

• 5 cm mineral wool insulation in attic walls toward unheated spaces.

• Strategic sealing and restoration of original openings while preserving decorative details.

Results:

Following these interventions, the building achieved an energy class C, demonstrating that even protected monuments can enhance their energy performance without compromising authenticity.

This case shows how technical innovation, respect for heritage laws, and institutional collaboration can transform a 19th-century landmark into a 21st-century cultural and energy-efficient space.

The Eu-Repair project, coordinated by the Institute for Research in Environment, Civil Engineering and Energy – IECE, unites partners from Germany , Lithuania , Estonia , North Macedonia , and Serbia  to foster sustainable refurbishment of valuable built environments across Europe.