Conservation & Heritage Issue 52 Summer/Autumn 2026 - Flipbook - Page 23
Retrofitting
Heritage
For decades, energy efficiency in historic buildings has been viewed with understandable
caution. Concerns over moisture, unsuitable modern materials and damage to historic
fabric often meant thermal upgrades were approached cautiously to avoid compromising
heritage value.
Historic England state that a true “whole building approach”
uses an understanding of a building in its context to find
balanced solutions that save energy, sustain heritage
significance, and maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor
environment. (Energy Efficiency and Historic Buildings,
2018).
while protecting its historic character. Early works focused
on low-impact measures including loft and sloping ceiling
insulation, alongside sympathetic draught-proofing.
Advanced Secondary Glazing Designed for
Heritage Properties
Conventional glazing systems are rarely appropriate within
listed and historically sensitive buildings. For Clovelly,
during our second phase of work, and across many of our
heritage projects, we use our bespoke CosyGlazing system
specifically to achieve the optimum heat loss reduction while
meeting conservation requirements.
At Mitchell & Dickinson, we specialise in bespoke
insulation, restoration and ventilation solutions for
traditional and listed buildings. Every project begins with a
detailed understanding of the building’s materials, moisture
movement, thermal performance and historic significance to
ensure improvements respect its heritage value.
Using lightweight Plexiglas panels with discreet magnetic
fixings, CosyGlazing provides an almost invisible secondary
glazing solution that improves heat retention while preserving
In 2010, we insulated the Devon village of Clovelly to
improve comfort, reduce heating costs and raise EPC ratings,
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