Sympathetic Heritage & Listed Development

In many cases, the root problem stems from the loss of breathability introduced over the years to combat dampness. Suspended floors have often been replaced by impervious concrete floors with damp proof membranes. Traditional lime plaster is frequently over-rendered with cement and gypsum, and external walls are similarly rendered. These changes prevent proper humidity movement, leading to condensation issues. The situation is exacerbated by the introduction of heating and, in some cases, double glazing, which further reduces ventilation and compounds the problem.

For listed buildings to endure, they must adapt to modern living standards while remaining efficient and sustainable. This is achieved by introducing breathable insulation, such as wood fibre board and lime plaster. These materials enable the building’s original fabric to breathe, allowing moisture to travel through the insulation and condense within the solid lime walls rather than on the wall’s surface. This approach ensures that the structure remains both functional and true to its historical integrity, promoting longevity and comfort without compromising the building’s heritage.

The overriding question is always how can we retain the historic fabric and appeal of listed buildings while heating them efficiently? This is achieved by using organic building products that are sustainable, carbon neutral, and environmentally friendly. Often, this involves traditional materials such as lime, wood fibre, and cork, but also includes recycled products like GLAPOR (Recycled Foamed Glass gravel) for insulation under limecrete floors. These materials ensure that the buildings remain true to their historical integrity while meeting modern efficiency standards, promoting both sustainability and comfort without compromising the building’s heritage.

The driving factor for insulating listed buildings is often to enable the use of renewable heat sources. Historically, biomass was the only viable option due to high heat requirements from lack of insulation. However, by taking a holistic approach to insulation and breathability, we can now utilise air source and geothermal heat pumps. Haxton Developments collaborates closely with various renewable energy firms to provide integrated and seamless solutions. This ensures that your listed building becomes a sustainable and efficient place to live, combining historical preservation with modern energy efficiency.