This lecture will explore the buil
ding physics behind retrofitting traditional build
ings\, with a particular focus on why insulation d
ecisions must be based on a proper understanding o
f how older fabric performs. Looking at vernacular
buildings through a whole-building lens\, the tal
k will consider how heat\, air\, and moisture move
through traditional construction\, and why this b
ehaviour differs significantly from that of modern
buildings.
\n
\n Drawing on research a
nd practice in the thermal and moisture performanc
e of traditional solid walls\, the session will ex
plain how inappropriate retrofit measures can crea
te unintended problems\, including interstitial co
ndensation\, trapped moisture\, reduced breathabil
ity\, and fabric deterioration. It will also highl
ight how more informed assessment can support retr
ofit strategies that improve comfort and energy ef
ficiency while respecting the long-term health and
character of the building.
\n
\n Atten
dees will gain a clearer understanding of the prin
ciples that should guide retrofit in traditional b
uildings\, especially where insulation is being co
nsidered. The lecture will be particularly useful
for architects\, engineers\, surveyors\, conservat
ion professionals\, and informed owners seeking a
more technical understanding of moisture risk and
compatible intervention. There will also be an opp
ortunity to ask live questions during a Q&A sessio
n at the end of the lecture.
This lecture is aimed a t those directly involved in working on traditiona l buildings with a technical side to the lecture. Private owners of traditional buildings are also w elcome.
\n \n• Why traditional and vernacular buildi
ngs behave differently from modern construction.\n • How heat\, air\, and moisture move thr
ough older building fabric.
\n • Why insul
ation decisions should be based on a whole-buildin
g understanding.
\n • What risks can arise
from poorly designed retrofit measures.
\n •
How building physics can help inform more comp
atible retrofit solutions.
\n • How better
assessment can improve comfort\, durability\, and
energy performance
You will need a computer\, phone or ot her device with a stable internet connection
\n \nDr Rosanne Walker is a researcher and practitioner with expertise in the thermal and moisture perform ance of traditional buildings\, particularly tradi tional solid walls and the risks associated with i nsulation and retrofit. Her work has contributed t o wider understanding of how older buildings perfo rm in use and how retrofit measures can be designe d in ways that are both effective and compatible w ith historic fabric. She is well placed to speak o n the relationship between building physics\, mois ture behaviour\, and sensitive intervention in tra ditional and vernacular buildings.
\n \nClosed captions are avail able for this talk.
\n \nThis event is generously supported by The Her itage Council.
\n \nAll bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditio ns.
\n \nPhoto credit: Rosemary Kane/ A lamy
DESCRIPTION:SPAB Ireland Lecture Series 2026\n \n Assess Befor e You Act: Whole Building Approach for Vernacular Energy Efficiency and Climate Resilience\n \n Rosa nne Walker\n \n \n \n Tuesday 28 July\, 7.30pm\n \ n \n This lecture will explore the building physic s behind retrofitting traditional buildings\, with a particular focus on why insulation decisions mu st be based on a proper understanding of how older fabric performs. Looking at vernacular buildings through a whole-building lens\, the talk will cons ider how heat\, air\, and moisture move through tr aditional construction\, and why this behaviour di ffers significantly from that of modern buildings. \n \n \n \n Drawing on research and practice in th e thermal and moisture performance of traditional solid walls\, the session will explain how inappro priate retrofit measures can create unintended pro blems\, including interstitial condensation\, trap ped moisture\, reduced breathability\, and fabric deterioration. It will also highlight how more inf ormed assessment can support retrofit strategies t hat improve comfort and energy efficiency while re specting the long-term health and character of the building.\n \n \n \n Attendees will gain a cleare r understanding of the principles that should guid e retrofit in traditional buildings\, especially w here insulation is being considered. The lecture w ill be particularly useful for architects\, engine ers\, surveyors\, conservation professionals\, and informed owners seeking a more technical understa nding of moisture risk and compatible intervention . There will also be an opportunity to ask live qu estions during a Q&A session at the end of the lec ture.\n \n \n \n Who is this talk for?\n \n \n Thi s lecture is aimed at those directly involved in w orking on traditional buildings with a technical s ide to the lecture. Private owners of traditional buildings are also welcome.\n \n \n \n You will le arn/discover\n \n \n • Why traditional and vern acular buildings behave differently from modern co nstruction.\n \n • How heat\, air\, and moistur e move through older building fabric.\n \n • Wh y insulation decisions should be based on a whole- building understanding.\n \n • What risks can a rise from poorly designed retrofit measures.\n \n • How building physics can help inform more com patible retrofit solutions.\n \n • How better a ssessment can improve comfort\, durability\, and e nergy performance\n \n \n \n IT requirements\n \n \n You will need a computer\, phone or other devic e with a stable internet connection\n \n \n \n Spe aker(s)\n \n \n Dr Rosanne Walker is a researcher and practitioner with expertise in the thermal and moisture performance of traditional buildings\, p articularly traditional solid walls and the risks associated with insulation and retrofit. Her work has contributed to wider understanding of how olde r buildings perform in use and how retrofit measur es can be designed in ways that are both effective and compatible with historic fabric. She is well placed to speak on the relationship between buildi ng physics\, moisture behaviour\, and sensitive in tervention in traditional and vernacular buildings .\n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n Closed captions are available for this talk.\n \n \n \n Sponsors\ n \n \n This event is generously supported by The Heritage Council. \n \n \n \n \n All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions (https://www.s pab.org.uk/content/booking-terms-and-conditions).\ n \n \n \n Photo credit: Rosemary Kane/ Alamy\n \n CATEGORIES:Talk CALSCALE:GREGORIAN DTSTAMP;TZID=Europe/London:20260728T193000 DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260728T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260728T210000 LOCATION:Online\n United Kingdom\n URL:https://www.spab.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=1458 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR