Retrofit in Practice: Solutions to thermally upgrade traditional buildings
Retrofit in Practice is a full day workshop which provides an in-depth look at the retrofit of traditional buildings. The focus will be on using natural, breathable solutions to insulate traditional walls, roofs and floors, which respect and compliment the original fabric. This is a blended workshop, involving both theory and practical, and includes a live demonstration of the thermal upgrade of a solid wall.
Ideal for
- Homeowners
- Self-Builders
- Anyone interested in sustainable, energy efficient building
Please note: cancellations made less than a week in advance of event are non-refundable.
Key learning
- The challenges of insulating traditional buildings
- Taking a fabric first approach to insulation
- Reduce heat loss without condensation risk
- Eliminate thermal bridges at key junctions
- The impact of moisture on solid walls
- Primary drivers of moisture ingress
- Moisture control in solid masonry walls
- Importance of diffusion open materials
- Advice on grant-aided financial support
- Options for internal insulation of solid walls
- Best practice approach to drylining
- Using compatible paints and finishes
Description
Practical advice, practical training
There are thousands of traditional buildings scattered throughout towns and villages across the Irish countryside. These are generally made with rubble stone or brick walls and form a valuable part of our unique vernacular heritage. Given Ireland’s ambitious climate targets and the housing crisis that currently exists, traditional buildings can play their part in providing comfortable, healthy accommodation along with preserving our precious heritage.
Retrofit in Practice looks at the challenges faced in retrofitting traditional buildings and provides natural, breathable solutions to bringing these back to life.
Who it is for
This event is aimed at anyone who is interested in retrofitting solid stone or brick traditional buildings.
What you learn
You will learn about what works - and what doesn't - when insulating older buildings, including advice on grant-aided financial support. Furthermore, you will benefit from seeing a live demonstration of breathable insulation being installed.
What you will do
You will arrive at the Ecological Building Systems office in Athboy, Co. Meath for 9.30am. Following introductions, you will hear from industry experts about appropriate insulation strategies and how we manage moisture and comfort in traditional buildings. Following this, there will be expert led practical sessions covering 'Air & Vapour Control in Older Buildings', 'Best Practice Drylining Techniques' and 'Specialised Insulation Systems & Natural Paint Demonstration'. This will be followed by a Q&A session before closing.
Materials used on the day
- Grass Insulation
- Hemp Insulation
- Woodfibre Insulation
- Decentralised Ventilation with Heat Recovery
- Straw Wall System
- Lime & Cork Plasters
- Auro Natural Paints
Agenda
- 09:30 - 10:00 Welcome & Introductions
- 10:00 - 11:15 The Fundamentals of Upgrading Traditional Buildings
- 11:15 - 11:30 Tea/Coffee
- 11:30 - 12:00 Indoor Air Quality in Retrofits - Ventilation
- 12:00 - 12:30 Practical Demo Part 1: Air & Vapour Control in Older Buildings (on suspended floors, drylining, ceilings)
- 12:30 - 12:45 Practical Demo Part 2: Best Practice Drylining Techniques
- 12:45 - 13:45 Lunch
- 13:45 - 15:30 Practical Demo Part 3:
Thermal Plaster & Woodfibre Application.
Lime Finishes & Natural Paint: Led by an Experienced Local Plasterer - 15:30 - 16-00 Q&A
- 16:00 - Close