There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

This module examines the evolution and adaptation of the UK’s historic building stock, beginning with an analysis of archetypes, ages, and characteristic features—flooring, walls, and roof systems—found in traditional domestic and commercial structures. Students will explore the properties, limitations, and long-term behaviour of vernacular materials (such as lime mortar, timber framing, and natural stone) alongside the methods by which they were originally assembled.Building on this foundation, the course then addresses sustainable retrofit: surveying relevant UK standards and performance metrics, introducing best-practice techniques, and reviewing case studies of successful interventions and material innovations. Attention is paid to social factors influencing retrofit decisions, as well as the integration of traditional services—ventilation, heating, and cooling—into upgraded heritage buildings. By marrying historical understanding with contemporary sustainability goals, learners will be equipped to design sensitive, effective retrofit strategies for the UK’s aging built environment.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: To analyse the characteristic archetypes, periods, and construction features of domestic and non-domestic UK buildings.

LO2: To evaluate the properties, limitations, and performance of traditional materials and methods in existing UK buildings.

LO3: To apply UK sustainable retrofit standards and guidelines to heritage structures.

LO4: To design and recommend effective sustainable retrofit strategies for domestic and non-domestic buildings.

LO5: Demonstrate deep understanding of health and safety principles in the execution of architectural refurbishment projects to ensure regulatory compliance and risk management.