Terracotta and heritage building conservation: building a better yesterday

Over a fifth of the UK’s housing stock was built before 1919, some five million homes. While period properties have become one of the most desirable asset classes, the difference between traditionally constructed buildings and contemporary houses is often little understood. Consequently, many buildings undergo unsympathetic alterations which may not only diminish their historical significance but can result in suboptimal performance of the external envelope, and in worst-case scenarios, serious issues with the building fabric.

Nonetheless, there is a pressing need to appropriately adapt unmodernised historic buildings to ensure they continue to be suitable for beneficial occupation. Against the backdrop of environmental concerns and rising energy prices, the improvement of their thermal performance is particularly salient. However, common alterations such as the retrofitting of double glazing or the installation of wall insulation can harm the appearance of buildings, lead to long-term issues with moisture management, and may offer few environmental benefits once embedded carbon costs are considered.

Cognisant of these issues, many local authorities are reluctant to grant planning permission for alterations to listed buildings or those in conservation areas. However, sensitive improvements which demonstrate an understanding of conservation philosophy and how traditional buildings function are far more likely to receive consent.

Terracotta’s extensive experience working with historic buildings means we can offer a range of support to owners of heritage assets, whether related to maintenance, alteration, or planning. Our expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding traditional construction methodologies, current regulation and guidance, and a reverence for the historic built environment.