SPAB Technical Note. The Need for Old Buildings to 'Breathe'
The Need for Old Buildings to ‘Breathe’ is the title of a Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) Technical Advice Note and was written by Philip Hughes BSc, MRICS (Chartered Building Surveyor) and SPAB Scholar.
This document gives an excellent explanation of the differences between historical construction methods and materials and modern methods and materials. It describes extremely well the concept of 'breathing' materials, in the context of traditional construction and how their characteristics help prolong the life of historical buildings. It further describes issues relating to the introduction modern or impervious materials in the context of historical buildings and the issues this can cause.
It describes different applications from external render and pointing to internal plaster and paints as well as the nuances and gradations in the breathability of construction materials. It is not only a brief but invaluable resource for homeowners, designers and contractors dealing with historical buildings but also those looking to create modern buildings from natural or breathable materials.
Follow the link for further information about The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) and here to download the Technical Advice Note 'The Need for Old Buildings to ‘Breathe’'.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Conservation officer.
- Conservation.
- Defects in stonework.
- Dry hydrate lime mortar.
- Finding stone to conserve historic buildings.
- Hemp lime construction: A guide to building with hemp lime composites.
- High lime low alkali glass.
- Hot-mixed mortars: the new lime revival.
- Hydraulic lime.
- Hydrated lime.
- IHBC articles.
- Lime concrete.
- Lime mortar.
- Lime plaster.
- Lime putty mortar.
- Lime run-off.
- Masonry.
- Mortar.
- Mortar analysis for specifiers.
- Non hydraulic lime.
- Portland cement.
- Putty lime.
- Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.
- Soda-lime glass.
- Sourcing stone to repair Exeter Cathedral.
- The Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
- The use of lime mortar in building conservation.
- Types of mortar.
Featured articles and news
What it is and how to use it.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.