Roger Hunt and Marianne Suhr 2 Books Collection Set - Non Fiction - Hardback

Titles in This Set:
Old House Handbook
Old House Eco Handbook

Format: Hardback

Overview:
This two-book collection from Roger Hunt and Marianne Suhr delivers a complete, practical framework for owning, maintaining, and improving historic homes. The Old House Handbook offers a respectful, repair-focused approach to preserving authentic character—from timber-framed cottages to Georgian terraces—urging readers to work with the building’s natural systems rather than override them. Approved and authorised by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, it provides deeply informed guidance on breathability, damp, structural movement, roofs, windows, and doors, making it an indispensable reference for any old-house project. Complementing this, the Old House Eco Handbook guides retrofitting for energy efficiency in older properties, with a clear path to modern comfort without compromising heritage. Fully illustrated and revised throughout, it covers building envelope, roofs and ceilings, walls, floors, paints, and the essentials of energy, air, and water management, including a brand-new chapter on retrofit materials and a foreword by Kevin McCloud. Together, the set equips homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and preservation professionals with a coherent, actionable toolkit for enduring, sustainable living in historic spaces.

What This Collection Covers:
The collection bridges conservation and modernization, recognizing that a well-loved old house thrives when its original fabric is respected while its energy performance meets today’s standards. The Old House Handbook lays the groundwork—how traditional materials behave, how ventilation safeguards durability, and how to read common signs of distress in timber, plaster, and masonry. It treats restoration as a careful continuation of a building’s life, not a replacement of its essence. The Old House Eco Handbook builds on that foundation by translating preservation principles into retrofit strategies: improving the building envelope, upgrading windows and doors, selecting compatible paints and finishes, and optimizing moisture control and thermal performance. Readers will discover sequential guidance—from diagnosing problems to selecting appropriate strategies—so that improvements feel integrated, durable, and true to the house’s age and character.

Book-by-Book Guide:
Old House Handbook — This essential manual guides owners through the daily and long-term care of old properties with an emphasis on restraint, repair, and preservation. It unpackages the science behind breathable walls, damp dynamics, settlement, roof care, and window and door preservation, translating complex concepts into practical, stage-by-stage steps. Readers gain confidence to assess decay, plan treatments that respect historical fabric, and execute repairs that extend a building’s life without erasing its provenance. The book is a trusted reference for both passionate DIYers and professional restorers who prioritise authenticity and longevity in every decision. It is rooted in a philosophy that valuing the past yields more durable, comfortable homes for the future. Old House Eco Handbook — A practical, fully illustrated guide to retrofitting for energy efficiency in historic houses. It addresses the unique challenges posed by older construction while presenting clear, actionable solutions. Topics include the building envelope, roofs and ceilings, windows and doors, walls, floors, paints, and the interplay of energy, air, and water. Revised and updated, with a foreword by Kevin McCloud, the handbook also introduces a brand-new chapter on retrofit materials. The guidance is designed to be compatible with traditional methods and modern comfort, helping readers reduce heat loss, improve indoor air quality, and lower energy bills without compromising the building’s character or health.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This two-volume collection is ideal for owners of historic homes who want reliable, practical strategies for maintenance, conservation, and responsible modernization. It speaks to DIY enthusiasts who enjoy hands-on projects, as well as professional renovators and architects who need a trusted reference when planning interventions in timber-framed, brick, or masonry properties. Gift buyers seeking a thoughtful, enduring present for anyone passionate about heritage buildings—preservation societies, local history buffs, or students studying architecture and building conservation—will find real value here. The combination of conservation-first philosophy with modern retrofit insight makes this set equally useful for homeowners aiming to balance authenticity with comfort, and for clubs or classrooms exploring real-world applications of historic building science.

Key Benefits:

• Two hardcover volumes that pair conservation-first practices with modern retrofit guidance
• SPAB-endorsed approach that respects historical fabric and avoids over-restoration
• Clear, practical steps for diagnosing moisture, movement, and decay in old houses
• Comprehensive guidance on energy efficiency tailored to historic construction
• Fully illustrated, with accessible explanations for DIYers and professionals alike
• Updated content, including a new retrofit-materials chapter and a foreword by Kevin McCloud
• Great for long-term home maintenance planning and renewal projects
• Valuable reference for researchers, students, and heritage-conscious readers

About the Author:
Roger Hunt and Marianne Suhr bring decades of hands-on experience in the field of historic home restoration. Their collaborative work on these two volumes offers practical, field-tested guidance that balances preservation with modern living needs. The Old House Handbook and its companion volume reflect their commitment to sharing knowledge that helps homeowners care for traditional buildings with sensitivity and skill. Their writing emphasises careful assessment, appropriate material choices, and techniques that honour a building’s original character, while equipping readers with the confidence to undertake meaningful improvements. Their distinctive voice—clear, precise, and respectful of architectural heritage—has made these books trusted companions for anyone caring for older homes.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
If you own or dream of owning an historic property, this two-book collection offers an integrated blueprint for stewardship and sustainable living. You’ll gain confidence in diagnosing issues, choosing appropriate repairs, and planning thoughtful energy upgrades that preserve character and charm. The combination of practical maintenance know-how with forward-looking retrofit guidance makes this set a timeless investment—one that grows more valuable as your home ages gracefully and efficiently. It’s a thoughtful gift for preservationists, architects, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to protect a legacy while enjoying modern comfort.

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.