Traditional Buildings

Traditional buildings differ from their modern counterparts in the materials used in their construction and in their performance characteristics.  It is not always easy to identify a traditional building, but typically they were built before WWII and their walls are solid masonry (or sometimes other materials e.g. earth), or of timber framed construction.

It is important when making substantial changes to traditional buildings, such as adding insulation, to consider the range of impacts and to design any changes carefully.  Changes need to work with existing materials, not against them, particularly in how they handle moisture movement.  Failure to do so can result in myriad of problems leading to material decay, poor performance, and even negative health impacts.  They also should consider and respect the heritage values of the building.

Fortunately, there is much advice and guidance available for homeowners wishing to improve the energy efficiency of their traditional building.  Some examples include:

• Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance (STBA) – Knowledge Centre, Guidance Wheel
• Cadw – Climate Change: Advice and Support  
• Historic England – Climate Change: Mitigation, Adaptation and Energy Measures
• Historic Environment Scotland – Climate Action and the Historic Environment
• Government of Ireland DHLGH – Improving Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings
• SPAB Knowledge Base – Energy Efficiency