Internal insulation on barn conversion Information, help and solutions to many issues encountered when converting barns and older buildings

[Llanfab]

We are about to commence a barn conversion. We very much like the look of bare stone walls and would like to retain this internally if possible. We are not sure where we stand with building regs and U values. We understand that not insulating the walls internally will be frowned upon, but feel that insulating and drylining them will detract from the character of the building.
The walls that we would like to leave bare only cover a small area, about 15% of the building perimeter.
The walls are two foot thick and of a random stone construction.
We are unclear if the SAPs calcs will allow us to do this as the rest of the building will be fairly well insulated.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[bd3cc]

What does it say on the plans? If it shows stone then you can use stone, otherwise you might need to negociate this with BC. They are generally helpful.

[Llanfab]

We are in the process of drawing up the plans.
Our Architect thinks we will have to have internal insulation.
They are pretty thick walls, so we were wondering if there are any exceptions to the rule. I appreciate it's probably different for each county.
We wondered if we were to super-insulate the rest of the building, if it would make up for any heat loss on this wall (do they work out the SAPs calcs per room, wall, or floor space etc?)
We will certainly have a chat to BC and see if there is any way it is possible.

Cheers.

[Perry525]

Modern 28mm double glazing is good but, treble glazing is better.
Have you considered external insulation?
You should be able to cover this to suit.

[bd3cc]

I am sure their is a way round it, even if you have to build a false, stone wall with insulation behind it.
Not sure of the exact calculations, but it will not vary by county.
Tell your architect what you want, and ask him how to achieve it, as you are paying him to achieve what you want.

[Llanfab]

Many thanks for your input.

The walls and pillars are of local stone and rubble construction edged in bull-nosed bricks. The particular wall that we have in mind has a beautiful, full height arch on the gable end, also edged in brick. We feel this would make a fantastic feature - hence why we are reluctant to have to cover it up!

We have arranged to see someone who specialises in SAPs calcs and also have a contact of a conservation officer locally.
Good point about the architect - we will see what he can come up with.

Seems a shame to have bought the barn partly because of it's character and internal features, only to be told you have to cover them all up!
Not giving up just yet though - as you say, I'm sure there is a way round.

Thanks again. will let you know how we get on!

[geordiesworld]

yes we had the same thoughts about the barn on our farm which we are now converting. We were forced to go down the route of installing a kit frame incorporating insulation, finished surface being plasterboard. Our walls are 540 mm or about 20 inches very rough rubble and block soft sandstone covered with layers of whitewashs over the years as it has been a working building for a long time. We have settled with the idea, as there seems little other option unfortunately.
Would be interesting to see what your outcome is ..
Cheers
George

[Perry525]

You could build a wood based structure inside the room (taking care to avoid damage to the arch) then carefully remove it after all is done and dusted!

[TheDoctor4]

If you would like to find a reliable, insured and vetted tradesman in your area why not click through to the Find a Tradesman area of DIY Doctor: https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/find_tradesmen/ , complete the form and receive up to 5 FREE quotes