52
feature
maintenance, refurb & heritage conservation
striking a balance between performance and historical integrity
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition – especially within organisations like Historic England – that sustainability must play a greater role in how we approach heritage buildings. The challenge lies in introducing modern performance standards without compromising historical integrity. Stuart McLauchlan at SHH Architecture and Interiors discusses...
Listed building facades and ceilings are among the most vulnerable elements of historic structures, bearing the brunt of environmental exposure and structural stress. Facades are particularly susceptible to weathering, pollution, and fl uctuating temperatures, which can accelerate deterioration. A successful approach should focus on employing sensitive repair techniques that reinforce the materials while maintaining their original character, ensuring that these defi ning external features are preserved for the long term. Recent changes in UK planning policy, supported by the 2024
government review Adapting Historic Homes for Energy Effi ciency, have made it easier to gain consent for installing energy-effi cient glazing in historic buildings. These updates aim to reduce heat loss and carbon emissions while preserving historic character. Local councils are increasingly allowing high-performance vacuum-sealed or slim-profi le double glazing, especially where original glass is missing. Historic England’s updated guidance supports these changes, recommending careful, building-specifi c approaches that balance conservation with sustainability goals. When it comes to external walls, options remain limited due
to conservation constraints. The constraints on external wall insulation for heritage buildings in the UK are primarily driven
by the need to preserve historic character and prevent moisture- related damage. Applying external insulation can signifi cantly alter a building’s appearance and often requires planning permission or listed building consent, especially for principal elevations or structures within conservation areas. Technical challenges include the risk of trapping moisture, which can lead to dampness and decay in traditional solid masonry walls that are designed to ‘breathe’. Consequently, internal insulation using breathable materials like cork-lime composites (e.g., Diathonite) is often preferred, as it enhances thermal performance while maintaining the building’s integrity and moisture balance. By carefully removing internal render and applying this mix to the brickwork, a much-needed layer of insulation can be added while ensuring the walls continue to breathe – critical in avoiding moisture-related issues. Internally, ceilings often feature elaborate details such as
cornices, decorative plasterwork, and rosettes, which contribute to the building’s architectural signifi cance. Retrofi tting these ceilings to meet modern safety and functional requirements presents a unique challenge. Essential systems such as sprinklers, smoke detectors, and wiring must be integrated discreetly to prevent disrupting the original aesthetic.
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