3 Minute read
- A sympathetic conversion of a 16th century building to securing its future in modern times
- Introducing insulation at roof level was proving to be a challenge
- By fitting TLX Gold with 50mm counter battens a workable solution was found
The Grade II listed Newhall is of rugged Pennine gritstone, circa 1672. Formerly the manor hall of a country estate, the last 340 years has seen it engulfed by urban Bradford. Even the various excrescences that were added during its tenure as a golf clubhouse could not detract from the fine detailing of the building. It retains its roof finials, and mullion and transom windows.
Empty for several years, it was classified as ‘at risk’ until the purchase of the house and surrounding land by a commercial developer. This has given it a new lease of life, as the house will become the focus of the newly created Newhall Business Park, providing accommodation for the companyâₒs headquarters. In consultation with English Heritage, the Leeds-based architects have designed a sympathetic conversion to modern office accommodation. Plus, they chose to use an insulating breather membrane for the re-roofing.
An important internal feature was to be the fully exposed rafters, with a view of the white-painted boarding over them providing a contrast. But they couldn’t raise the roof by more than a few centimeters, this meant that introducing insulation was problematic. However, by fitting 50mm deep counter-battens over the boarding it was possible to drape TLX Gold over them. Then, fitting the tile battens and the original stone tiles over without further counter-battening.
The result:
The result is a period building that appears unchanged externally. But internally it provides the comfort that 21st century office workers expect. Newhall has a new lease of life âₓ with a little help from TLX Gold to provide waterproofing, breathability and thermal performance.
The Problem: How to improve the thermal performance of a 17th century stone building to make it fit for modern office accommodation yet without raising the roof.
The Solution: TLX Gold insulating breather membrane with a BBA Certificate, was the ideal choice to match these requirements. And because it is fully breathable – not only the top quality breather membrane upper layer but the shiny underside also – there is no risk of condensation.
- Can be used on a
boarded roof - No increase in roof height required
- Provides a U-value of 0.69 W/m2K when used by itself
Click to view our blog based on this solution
Click to view the case study detailing insulation in the walls
