Old House Eco Handbook: Retrofitting for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability - Non Fiction - Hardback

Title:
Old House Eco Handbook: A Practical Guide to Retrofitting for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780711239777

Overview:
Old House Eco Handbook is a comprehensive, practical manual for homeowners, surveyors, and designers who want to improve the energy performance of older homes without compromising their charm or historical integrity. This second edition, published in September 2019, brings together the expertise of Marianne Suhr and Roger Hunt, enhanced by a foreword from Kevin McCloud. The book is written for a broad range of old houses—from medieval timber-framed structures to Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian terraces—and it emphasizes sustainable retrofits that respect traditional materials and craft. With clear explanations, annotated diagrams, and a wealth of color photography, the handbook guides readers through every stage of retrofitting the building envelope and its essential systems. In association with The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), this volume is a trusted resource for making historic homes more energy efficient and environmentally responsible, while preserving their original character. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or simple upgrades, this edition offers practical routes to comfort, reduced running costs, and long-term resilience. The book balances achievable projects with thoughtful design, practical cautions, and cost considerations, ensuring readers can make informed budgeting choices as they retrofit their cherished homes.

What You’ll Discover Inside:
Inside Old House Eco Handbook, readers will find a structured, methodical approach to retrofit solutions that honor the age and fabric of older homes. The chapters explore the building envelope in depth—how to improve insulation and airtightness without causing condensation or moisture issues, how to select materials that breathe, and how to balance comfort with sustainability. The guide continues through roofs and ceilings, windows and doors, walls, floors, and paints, always with a historic-building lens. A new chapter on retrofit materials offers practical options for durable, compatible upgrades. You’ll also gain insight into energy, air, and water management—critical factors for long-term performance. The tone remains accessible and non-prescriptive, presenting evidence-based options and decision-making frameworks so you can tailor retrofits to your house’s era, climate, and your personal priorities. The book is designed to equip homeowners with the confidence to discuss improvements with builders and surveyors, plus it serves as a reliable reference for DIY enthusiasts and professionals pursuing heritage-conscious sustainability.

Who It’s For:
This book is ideal for owners of old houses who want to improve comfort and efficiency without erasing character. It speaks to curious homeowners tackling a renovation, as well as practitioners in historic buildings—surveyors, architects, and builders—seeking a clear, practical guide grounded in real-world constraints. It also serves as a valuable resource for homeowners’ groups, SPAB supporters, and students of architecture or building conservation who want a grounded understanding of retrofit options for historic properties. From first-timers planning a small upgrade to seasoned renovators coordinating a full climate-aware retrofit, Old House Eco Handbook offers actionable guidance that can save money, reduce energy use, and extend the life of cherished historic homes.

Key Highlights:

• Second edition hardback, 208 pages with abundant color photos
• Foreword by Kevin McCloud and association with SPAB
• Clear, step-by-step guidance for retrofitting old houses
• Comprehensive coverage: building envelope, roofs, windows, walls, floors, paints, energy, air and water
• New chapter focusing on retrofit materials for durable, compatible solutions
• Practical balance of heritage preservation and modern energy efficiency

About the Author:
Marianne Suhr and Roger Hunt co-authored the book with a shared focus on sustainable, vernacular architecture and practical retrofitting. Marianne Suhr is a Chartered Building Surveyor who brings hands-on experience in repairing and preserving historic fabric, often collaborating with SPAB on homeowners’ courses and retrofit guidance. Roger Hunt is a writer with a long-standing interest in the built environment and sustainable design, contributing a thoughtful, accessible voice to the conversation around how older homes can be comfortable, efficient, and durable. Their collaboration extends from the earlier Old House Handbook to this Eco Handbook, combining expert survey insight with practical construction know-how to empower readers to approach retrofits with confidence and care.

Why You’ll Love This Book:
If you care about saving energy in a historic home without erasing its soul, this book is a trusted companion. It translates complex building science into practical steps you can plan, budget, and implement—whether you’re tackling one room or a comprehensive retrofit. The wealth of real-world guidance, paired with vibrant visuals and a heritage-conscious perspective, makes it a standout reference for homeowners and professionals alike. Owning this handbook helps you articulate retrofit options to tradespeople, compare potential materials, and chart a path that respects your house’s period features while delivering modern comfort and efficiency. It’s a thoughtful, durable resource that remains relevant across seasons and project sizes, turning ambitious energy goals into achievable, responsible improvements.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.