Old buildings, climate change, EH...

[Nemesis]

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=426&storycode=3104674&c=2&encCode=000000000143aca2

But housing expert James Woudhuysen, a professor at De Montfort University, dismissed the initiative, calling for inefficient stock to be demolished.

“The make-do-and-mend approach to antique housing stock is costly and cannot compare in terms of energy efficiency with new builds,” he said.

 

[Penners]

Oh, he is so right. What on earth is the point of reparing some dreadful old building:

When you could just throw it away and build a lovely new one:

 

[Flyfisher]

Yep, you can't argue with the experts.
He's a Professor, don'tcha know.

 

[Nemesis]

I recall a recent report which said the most efficient housing, energy wise, was Tudor timber frame.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1941849,00.html

http://www.britishgasnews.co.uk/index.asp?PageID=19&Year=2006&NewsID=698

I also recall that Maxwell Hutchinson, former RIBA President, stated that:

'In energy terms, refurbishing a Victorian home costs much the same as driving to Moscow and back. Demolishing and rebuilding is the equivalent of driving six times around the world.'

Modern housing stock is built to last - oooh, sixty years or so.

So - are we all supposed to allow our homes to be bulldozed and used as landfill, in order that new can be built? (It's called Pathfinder in many areas...)

I think I might just resist that.

 

[Nemesis]

http://periodproperty.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?p=102192#102192

Update.

Nemesis

I followed up this through my various contacts.

I am unable to cite sources but can assure you that the views expressed by Prof Woudhuysen are his own and not that of the University. As we all know journalists print what they feel would be most emotive and may not have printed all that was said. In any event, apparently the Prof represents a minority view at the University on this particular matter. The University itself is well know for championing conservation and sustainability.

I hope that helps.

Stephen

 

[Gareth Hughes]

http://periodproperty.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?p=102192#102192

Update.

Nemesis

I followed up this through my various contacts.

I am unable to cite sources but can assure you that the views expressed by Prof Woudhuysen are his own and not that of the University. As we all know journalists print what they feel would be most emotive and may not have printed all that was said. In any event, apparently the Prof represents a minority view at the University on this particular matter. The University itself is well know for championing conservation and sustainability.

I hope that helps.

Stephen

DeMontfort do have some very interesting modern, green, gothic buildings:

http://www.maxfordham.com/projects-item.php?id=53&cat=13

 

[Nemesis]

I suspect that Oxford isn't about to demolish some of its historic college buildings for a 'green and efficient' makeoever, however!


Yes they are attractive I agree.