But with thoughtful adaptation, our historic building stock can be part of the solution. These buildings can remain sought after, comfortable, resilient and low-carbon, while retaining their unique character.
Many owners and occupiers of historic buildings worry about how to meet energy efficiency and net zero targets – especially when faced with the cost of heating an older property.
Why adapt?
Modern weather extremes are testing even the most robust structures. A whole-building approach – one that considers materials, moisture movement, ventilation and heritage significance – is key to successful adaptation.
Historic buildings were typically constructed using locally sourced materials such as lime, stone and timber. These materials are generally lower carbon than modern materials, and when combined with traditional design features they offer inherent climate resilience. But as climate change intensifies rainfall, increases flood risk and brings hotter summers, even the most durable buildings may benefit from sensitive upgrades.
Low-carbon, traditional materials
Choosing traditional materials isn’t just about authenticity – it’s also a sustainable strategy. Lime mortar, for example, is more compatible with historic masonry than cement and has a lower embodied carbon footprint. It allows walls to breathe, reducing the risk of trapped moisture and decay.
Similarly, retaining and upgrading original timber windows is often more sustainable than replacing them with uPVC. Timber windows can last over a century and be repaired indefinitely, while uPVC typically lasts less than 25 years and has a higher carbon cost. Slim-profile double glazing or secondary glazing can improve performance without compromising appearance.
Solar shading: a traditional solution to modern overheating
As summers become hotter, overheating is an increasing concern – even in the UK’s temperate climate. Historic buildings with large areas of glazing can suffer from excessive solar gain. Traditional solutions such as awnings, shutters and canopies offer effective, low-impact solar shading and have strong historical precedent – even Buckingham Palace once had awnings. These features reduce glare, limit UV damage and help regulate indoor temperatures by blocking direct sunlight before it reaches the glass. They also allow windows to remain open for ventilation, even in wet weather.
Rainwater harvesting and management
With more intense rainfall, rainwater goods and rain-shedding details may need to be adapted to continue performing effectively. Rainwater harvesting and attenuation are increasingly common in new developments, but the concept has a long history in traditional buildings. Cisterns and water butts were once commonplace, and reviving these practices can reduce pressure on drainage systems. Rainwater is also naturally soft, making it suitable for filtered use in washing machines or WCs.
Building flood resilience
As climate change drives more frequent and intense rainfall, the risk of flooding is expected to rise across many parts of the UK. For owners of historic buildings, this presents a particular challenge – but traditional materials can offer a surprising advantage.
Lime mortar, limewash and lime harling are all vapour-permeable, allowing moisture to evaporate naturally. This means that after a flood event, walls built or finished with these materials can dry out more effectively than those sealed with modern, impermeable products. Lime plaster is also more resilient than gypsum or plasterboard, which usually require full replacement after flooding.
Traditional hard flooring materials – such as stone flags, brick pavers and lime ash – are equally resilient. These surfaces can withstand occasional wetting and dry out without major intervention. In contrast, modern suspended timber floors with insulation or impermeable finishes often require extensive replacement. Where appropriate, reinstating or retaining traditional floor types can reduce long-term maintenance costs and improve a building’s ability to recover from water ingress.
Looking ahead
Adapting a historic building doesn’t mean compromising its heritage. By using traditional materials, prioritising maintenance and making proportionate, reversible changes, owners can ensure their property remains both resilient and beautiful for generations to come. In short, traditional materials not only preserve the character of historic buildings – they can also help them weather the storms ahead.
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