Energy Efficiency in Historic Houses Regional Seminars

Published on 23^rd November, 2009

Peter Smith and I have been supporting the Irish Georgian Society with their current seminars titled, “Energy Efficiency in Historic Houses”.

The response to these events has been phenomenal with an average attendance of over 100 people per event! It shows that this is an area of particular interest at the moment.

Thermally upgrading historic buildings present particular challenges, where the existing structure has to be respected. From an aesthetic point of view there may be significant limitations when thermally upgrading protected structures and a conservation officer should be consulted prior to works.

Where the thermal upgrading of historic buildings is possible it is very important to assess and understand the existing structure. It is in this area that a building physicist should be consulted to assess the compatibility of modern insulation materials with the existing structure. Peter and I have been providing a presentation using appropriate materials for conserving energy in historic buildings.

These seminars are particularly interesting as this area presents unique challenges and there are many such buildings throughout the length and breadth of Ireland. There were other eminent speakers at this event who all provided outstanding presentations which highlighted both the possibilities and potential problems which may arise when refurbishing historic buildings. Speakers included: Paul Arnold of Paul Arnold Architects, Katriona Byrne, who is a conservation officer with Roscommon County Council, and Edith Blennerhassett , Officer Director with Buro Happold Dublin.

I would highly recommend this event. Further information regarding these events can be downloaded from: Irish Georgian Society