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Building Sustainability Podcast

Old House Retrofit - Marianne Suhr - BS098

Mar 5, 2023
Marianne Suhr, a Chartered Building Surveyor with a passion for preserving historic structures, discusses the nuances of retrofitting older buildings. She emphasizes the crucial role of building surveyors in maintaining these valuable assets. The conversation delves into techniques for sympathetic repairs, the importance of using authentic materials, and the evolving practices in sustainable renovations. Listeners will find insights on balancing modern comforts with historical integrity, especially in timber frame buildings, and explore effective retrofitting strategies for energy efficiency.
01:11:46

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Retrofitting historic buildings preserves cultural heritage and reduces carbon footprint by enhancing their energy efficiency while respecting original architectural styles.
  • Building surveyors play a crucial role in assessing historic structures, guiding repairs, and ensuring conservation best practices are followed during restoration.

Deep dives

Importance of Retrofitting Historic Buildings

Retrofitting historic buildings is crucial for preserving cultural heritage while improving energy efficiency. Historic buildings often have a significant amount of embodied energy, and maintaining them helps to reduce the carbon footprint associated with new constructions. The discussion emphasizes that retrofitting not only addresses modern energy needs but also respects the existing architectural style and fabric. A well-executed retrofit can significantly enhance the functionality and sustainability of these structures, making them more suitable for contemporary living.

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