The second in the STBA series of Masterclasses took place in September, with over 30 delegates learning from Ian Mawditt of fourwalls.
Ventilation in retrofit projects is often one of the most overlooked considerations. Yet ignoring ventilation is high risk, both in terms of occupant health and minimising moisture risk to the building fabric. Most retrofits, by their very nature, will automatically have a dramatic reduction effect on air leakage. However, it can be quite confusing to work out how best to ventilate – natural, mechanical – centralised or decentralised. A number of factors will dictate the most appropriate strategy, including building age/heritage, geometric complexity, and budget! The Ventilation Masterclass explored these issues and many other important aspects of ventilation in existing buildings.
The Masterclasses for the Responsible Retrofit series forms part of the STBA’s introduction to the whole-house approach to retrofit. Without consideration of the building physics, context and condition of an existing building, isolated retrofit measures are doomed to failure. Whilst each Masterclass focuses on a particular aspect of retrofit, delegates learn how it becomes part of the whole-house approach, essential for achieving energy efficiency, health and preserving our heritage.
Future Masterclasses are planned. See the STBA website for further details
