VOLUME 7 ISSUE 2

Environmental Fact Sheet

March 2009 A Future for Northern ’s Built Heritage Foreword

Northern Ireland’s built heritage is one of its prime assets. From stately homes cared for by the National Trust and open to the public, through those whose private owners have lovingly restored and care for their own homes to the excellent work being done by Building Preservation Trusts to rescue buildings which would otherwise be lost, many people and organisations are playing their part in keeping our heritage alive for current and future generations. Preserving our built heritage is about much more than just protecting the sheer beauty of the buildings. It is a significant contributor to our efforts to combat climate change through recognising and realising the embodied energy in these venerable buildings. It is about retaining a tangible record of life in former times. It is also about recognising and passing on a respect for our past and our heritage, and realising that life in the past was very different from life today, and using that knowledge to recognise the importance of change in all our lives.

This document brings together papers from a wide range of those involved in the built heritage to provide a broad perspective on the issues. There are some clear themes running through the document, chief amongst them the intrinsic, cultural and aesthetic value of the built heritage and the need to preserve it. There are many means of protecting that heritage, and all need to be encouraged and delivered in the most appropriate ways to ensure that this record of our past continues into the future as a real and living part of our landscape and townscape.

Acknowledgements This report was compiled and edited by Sue Christie with layout and design by Karen Nicholson and David McCann. We would like to thank all of the authors for the time and effort they put into producing their articles. Many thanks to Marcus Patton for the cover illustration. Every effort has been made to acknowledge all copyright owners. Articles may be reproduced by acknowledging the authors and NIEL. Environment Link (NIEL), March 2009 NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET Contents Section One: Sustaining the Built Heritage

2 Sustainability and the Built Heritage Lydia Wilson, Architectural History Practice

4 The End of the World Isn’t Nigh for our Historic Buildings Andrew McClelland, Architectural Heritage Society

6 Homes from Heritage - Yes We Can! Martin Carey, Heritage Trust

9 Learning from Experience on Orkney Michael Coulter, Northern Ireland Environment Agency

Section Two: Skills and Techniques

10 Conservation in Practice Dawson Stelfox, Consarc Design Group

13 ‘Home and Dry’ for Owners of Historic Buildings Rita Harkin, Ulster Architectural Heritage Society

14 Honing Skills Rita Harkin, Ulster Architectural Heritage Society

15 Raising a Glass to the Cathedral Quarter Rita Harkin, Ulster Architectural Heritage Society

Section Three: Heritage in Action

16 Northern Ireland’s Building Preservation Trusts Primrose Wilson, Northern Ireland Association of Preservation Trusts

17 Breathing New Life into Old Buildings Diane Ruddock, The National Trust

19 Revolving from Derelict to Desirable Marcus Patton, Hearth Housing Association

21 Compulsory Acquisition of a Listed Building: The Stable Block at Sion Mills Michael Coulter, Northern Ireland Environment Agency

Section Four: Stone Under Threat

23 Mapping, Monitoring and Visualising Built Heritage John Meneely, Queen’s University

25 Background to Urban Stone Decay Bernard Smith, Queen’s University Belfast

28 The Impacts of Changing Pollution and Climatic Regimes on Stone Buildings Bernard Smith, Queen’s University Belfast

Recommendations

32 Recommendations Northern Ireland Environment Link

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Sustainability and the Built Heritage g e a Lydia Wilson, Architectural History Practice e r i t Introduction buildings than to demolish them and buildings should be paramount. In a H Sustainable development is a build new ones. far-sighted example of sustainability phrase used to convey a multitude in practice, Northern Ireland’s u i l t of meanings – from growing the Embodied Energy Assembly members opted to repair B economy to managing consumption. All buildings contain embodied Stormont rather than construct Its recognised international energy, which is the energy used a new parliament building. Apart t h e definition is ‘development which to produce the materials that make from the saving in new construction meets the needs of the present up that building (or the energy that materials, the restored building and without compromising the ability would be wasted if the building its green surroundings now act as a i n i n g

a of future generations to meet was demolished). Existing buildings magnet for walkers and sightseers. their own needs’ (Brundtland represent a huge investment in u s t Commission, 1987). The challenge embodied energy: research by Cost S lies in limiting development to English Heritage estimates that Some cite the cost of repairing levels that could conceivably allow the energy wasted in demolishing an old building as prohibitive, the planet to replenish its finite one Victorian terraced house is but detailed research counters resources. equivalent to filling a car with this argument. A 2004 study 15,000 litres of petrol and driving it commissioned by City Council Realistically, living sustainably around the world five times. compared the cost of reusing a means taking every opportunity to variety of existing buildings with reuse or recycle resources, having Heritage bodies and developers the cost of demolishing and building an awareness of how our actions who work with historic buildings anew. It found that constructing affect our environment, and trying agree that much of the UK’s new buildings on brownfield sites to minimise the negative impact of historic building stock is robust and was more expensive than retaining those actions. highly adaptable and, with regular and reusing existing buildings, maintenance, could survive almost except where the extent of building Buildings are vitally important – indefinitely. If a ‘waste not, want repair and refurbishment needed everyone needs shelter and warmth. not’ approach to development is was extremely – and unusually – However, buildings – in construction adopted then repair of existing high. Recent research in the and use – also have the potential to hungrily consume resources and energy. In the simplest terms, the best way to minimise such harmful effects is to reuse the buildings that already exist, and make sure those buildings are insulated to minimise carbon emissions. Reusing existing buildings brings a number of benefits, but in environmental terms the biggest advantage lies in reducing waste and embodied emissions in demolition and construction.

Construction Around a quarter of the UK’s yearly landfilled and incinerated waste is generated by the demolition and construction of buildings. Only 4% of the 70 million tonnes of building waste produced in the UK each year is recycled. The production of new building materials – 6 tonnes for every person living in the UK every year – accounts for 10% of national energy consumption. Reusing existing buildings saves waste and reduces the need for new building materials. A 2004 House of Commons paper issued by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister stated: It is simply better in sustainability terms to use and recycle old St George’s Market, Belfast

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The cost of maintaining a building the loss of green space if the over its lifetime should also be a new building is constructed on a key decider in whether an existing greenfield site, or – in the case of

building is adapted or demolished. brownfield sites – the embodied S A 2006 report for English Heritage energy wasted by demolishing an t s u found that older houses cost less existing building in favour of an a

to maintain and occupy over their ‘environmentally friendly’ new one. g n i n i long-term lives than more modern housing. Maintaining a Victorian Conclusion

Our houses – in construction Scroggy Road, Glenavy terraced house costs £1,000 e h t less per year than maintaining a and use – are responsible for a

similar-sized building erected in the large share of greenhouse gas B northwest of found that emissions, and it is indisputably 1980s. This is largely due to the t l i u the cost, over 30 years, of repairing fact that older buildings tend to be the responsibility of all of us to do and maintaining a typical Victorian whatever we can to reduce the constructed of durable materials H terraced house was between 40% like brick and timber, rather than burden on the planet. Reusing and 60% cheaper (depending on t i r e modern materials like concrete existing buildings is key to reducing the level of refurbishment required) blocks and PVC. waste and our carbon footprint, but than replacing it with a new home. it also has the positive side effects a e g In Northern Ireland, Coleraine of encouraging traditional skills and Council and Hearth Revolving Fund Building Anew maintaining the distinctive character gave a lead in sustainable building While it may be tempting to start of our towns and rural landscape. practice by opting to restore rather afresh on an ‘eco-project’, every It is time to stop thinking about old than demolish Portrush Town Hall, new build must necessarily incur buildings as stumbling blocks, and a fine grade B1 listed example environmental costs apart from show that Northern Ireland can take of Victorian public architecture, those associated with manufacturing a sustainable approach to building solidly constructed in red brick. new building materials: either for the future. The building was closed in 1997 after falling into disrepair. A plan to knock it and rebuild in a similar style was proposed in 1999, at an estimated cost of £1.75m. This scheme was rejected in favour of restoration, which cost £1.6m. £1m of this was made up of grants given only because of the building’s architectural and historical interest. The restoration saved money and limited the production of new building materials. We must learn the lesson: Northern Ireland’s heritage can be cost-effectively and sustainably reused.

Environmental Performance The environmental performance of old buildings is often given as a reason for their replacement. Measuring the environmental performance of different types of buildings is an imprecise art which requires more research. Those who say old buildings are environmentally unfriendly are simply wrong, because the studies do not exist to prove it. What is indisputable is that old buildings have their own environmental advantages – evolved over centuries of providing warmth and shelter – including (very often) thick walls and a low window to wall ratio, which reduces carbon emissions through the glazing. Importantly, any building can also be adapted to provide immediate improved environmental performance using relatively cheap measures including, for example, lagging a loft or installing secondary window glazing. Interior of Meter House, Gasworks, Belfast

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The End of the World Isn’t Nigh for our Historic Buildings g e a Andrew McClelland, Ulster Architectural Heritage Society e r i t Perusing some of the newspapers is the complexity of the issue not enabled an analysis of entries by

H as they digested the publication of understood, nor explored in any way of location, ownership, and the last printed Built Heritage at great detail, but that the tone of protected status, amongst other

u i l t Risk Catalogue in 2005 (Volume the limited public debate is usually criteria. This greater understanding

B 7), you would be forgiven for framed in a pessimistic or defeatist has not only bolstered demands thinking that our historic buildings way (in spite of our best efforts). for increased financial resources,

t h e were facing imminent collapse. This is unfortunate, as highlighting but has informed important policy Headlines such as Catalogue of the plight of the 501 buildings and decisions such as the recent NIEA Despair for Historic Buildings at monuments that currently occupy changes to its Historic Buildings

i n i nRisk g (Irish News, 13/05/2005) the online Built Heritage at Risk Grant programme, which have a were sufficiently apocalyptic to Northern Ireland (BHARNI) Register opened up funding to grade B2 evoke images of us conservationists (as of 19th January 2009) is not listed buildings. Additional resources u s t

S flailing around hopelessly in intended to be a tale of woe. On are also now being directed towards the face of a metaphorical old the contrary, it is viewed as a building preservation trusts and building Armageddon. Media springboard from which to target other charities seeking to acquire over-exuberance is perhaps to our collective efforts, whether and restore buildings at risk. be expected but it is always through financial mechanisms or Welcome measures indeed. disappointing that the nuances of complementary policy initiatives. many environmental issues, and the The impact in the broader policy extent and nature of the challenges Guaranteeing desirable outcomes arena of the Ulster Architectural facing society, get crowded out in depends greatly on partnership Heritage Society’s extensive the search for a bit of drama. working and the power of knowledge of the issue has allowed persuasion based on the soundness insightful responses to be made to Such an observation is not to of argument. The relative success various government consultations, downplay the size of the problem of the Register has been built such as draft Planning Policy of derelict and neglected buildings, on the fact that it has more Statement 21 and the review into or the importance of any sort of comprehensively quantified the the Domestic Rating System. As media attention. Rather, there is number of buildings and monuments the graph in Figure 1 confirms, a a genuine concern that not only at risk and, in the process, has majority of ‘Register’ entries are in

Oldpark Presbyterian Church, Cliftonville Road, Belfast

Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage 4 March 2009 NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET private ownership and logic would 6% dictate that a range of favourable 14% policies will be needed if the desired

long-term impact of rescuing S t s u buildings is to be realised. 8% Government a

The final out workings of a number Church g n i n i of consultations is awaited with interest, but our collective gaze Commercial must remain firmly focused on 13% e h t ensuring that effective policy Privat e instruments are in place across Miscellaneous B government; that both incentives t l i u and enforcement tools are available 59% and used; and that the extra mile is H travelled to encourage and support owners wishing to do the best for Figure 1. Ownership of BHARNI Register Entries t i r e their historic building or monument. second survey process under include the Crescent Arts Centre in a

which new buildings have been Belfast and the Playhouse Theatre e g Considering in more detail current listed, and existing derelict ones in Derry; both having featured on entries to the BHARNI Register, it is rediscovered. However, more the BBC Restoration series. Further informative to note that numerous encouragingly, there have also been good news stories can be discovered buildings and monuments have many individual successes. There in the recently published BHARNI been added since its launch in 2004 is insufficient space to list them all Catalogue (Volume 8), available in – over 40 in 2008 alone. This is here but a sprinkling of examples hardcopy from the UAHS, or as a largely as a result of the decision would include: Ormeau Park House; PDF on www.uahs.org.uk. to expand the previously named Old School; Laurel View Buildings at Risk NI Register to Villa, Donaghmore, ; Successes are now closely include above ground scheduled Robbs Ferry Cottage, Portadown; monitored by NIEA for audit masonry monuments (and hence and the former Fire Station, Hawkin purposes following the publication the name change from BARNI to Street, Derry. Other prominent of the Northern Ireland Sustainable BHARNI), as well as the ongoing buildings where work is still ongoing Development Strategy in 2006, in which the target of rescuing 200 BHARNI Register entries over a 10 year period was established. This opens up an interesting debate as to the merits of such a target- based culture; targets being of some benefit in helping to focus the mind whilst providing a means of measuring success over time. However, their usefulness should also be open to scrutiny as there is always a danger that the sometimes subjective determinant of quality may be consumed in the push for quantity. As our local built heritage represents a small and fragile resource, we trust that our decision makers will resist such temptations. Many of our buildings at risk have withstood years of decay and neglect, and we would do them a great disservice if, in our haste, their specialness was lost through inappropriate intervention. We should all strive for speedy and imaginative conservation schemes, but quality control is always preferable to quantity control; the successful schemes of the past ably demonstrate that, where circumstances permit, a creative solution will eventually emerge. The views expressed in this article are solely the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society. Former Fire Station, Hawkin Street, Derry

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Homes from Heritage - Yes We Can! g e a Martin Carey, Mourne Heritage Trust e r i t The Northern Ireland countryside set out to prove that not only were

H remains dotted with countless these dwellings capable of such vacant traditional buildings, adaptation, but that this could u i l t particularly in our upland areas. also be done without significantly

B Often these are unseen by the detracting from their essential passerby - more often than not characteristics - producing for the t h e they are sited sensitively into modern age homes of comfort and

the surrounding countryside and character, as well as preserving make use of natural undulations to the folk memory that goes along

i n i nprovide g shelter from the weather. with them. It is the Trust’s fervent a They also tend to be modest in hope that in these times of relative construction, with few of the prosperity, notwithstanding the u s t

S design flourishes often seen in the recent economic ‘wobbles’, we are ‘Big Houses’ of the countryside. sufficiently mature as a society to reappraise our attitude to these important remnants of who we are and where we came from.

Seven buildings, reflecting a variety of vernacular styles and settings, were renovated to an The benefits of this type of reuse exacting specification from the are manifold. All of the homesteads Northern Ireland Housing Executive were returned to their original in terms of space, insulation, owners with a covenant requiring modern amenities, etc. This was their permanent occupation by not without its challenges, but persons with a local connection. with creativity and good design Exemplifying the importance of the Look more closely though and these were overcome. Where the family ties, the owner of one of the these important landmarks, while space requirements could not be homes saw his daughter inspired to conforming to certain traditional accommodated within the envelope relocate from England along with standards in terms of materials, of the original building, outbuildings her young family, attracted by the design principles, method of were incorporated to provide living opportunity to live in a house not construction and location, still space. Where outbuildings did not only close to her ‘home place’ but exhibit the individual character exist, extensions were used with a also closely linked to her family’s and quirks not often seen in, for preference for a rear extension over history. Being abandoned, these example, urban terraces, suburban extending upwards or in length, houses are generally located estates and modern villas. They allowing the original dwelling to in areas that have experienced also represent links to our collective remain the dominant feature of the depopulation so their restoration and family histories, with echoes site. brings life back into rural areas, of stories, folklore and ways of life bound up in the stone and lime mortar of the walls.

While it is a good thing that many of these homesteads remain, many more have been lost to dereliction and a trend towards replacement that continues apace. In many ways this reflects a mindset that has seen these buildings not as important aspects of our heritage but as ‘monuments to poverty’, replacement of which marks a symbolic break with a less than prosperous past. However, often it instead reflects a belief that vernacular rural dwellings are not capable of being renovated to provide for modern 21st century family living.

Through its Mourne Homesteads Scheme, Mourne Heritage Trust

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from the effects of second home S ownership and rising house prices, t s u there is scope to combine the a restoration of our built rural heritage g n i n i with the provision of affordable and/ or social housing.

e h t As previously touched on, these buildings blend almost seamlessly B

into the countryside and, unlike t l i u many of more modern construction,

do not jar with our landscapes. H Their renovation therefore not only removes the blight of dereliction t i r e but enhances the landscape in a a way that only the most well e g designed and built modern houses can do. Among other things, and particularly in a place like the Mourne and Slieve Croob AONB, this represents a benefit to tourism.

Thick walls, small windows and low buildings ... not only meet the ceilings combine with siting in lee needs of local communities through of hillsides or among mature native good design, but also have made trees to not only enhance character environmental awareness a key but to ensure that heat is retained, aspect of the completed project. particularly if thermostats are kept at a low but consistent level.

You do not have to take the word of Mourne Heritage Trust for these benefits! As well as through an independent evaluation of the scheme by the Cardiff Research Group, the various levels on which renovation of traditional buildings impacts has been publicly recognised far and near in the form of several prestigious awards. At a Northern Ireland level presenting the RSPB Planning Award to MHT in 2006, Hazel Bell, chairperson of the It should also be remembered that Royal Town Planning Institute (NI the mantra of ‘reduce, reuse, recyle’ branch) said I was delighted that should also applies to buildings. the RTPI could work in partnership The reuse of these dwellings is with the RSPB to recognise this inherently sustainable on two inspiring example of sustainable levels. First, there is the concept development. UK level recognition Most recently in 2007, a Diploma of ‘embodied energy’. In simple followed from the Civic Trust with an from Europa Nostra, the European terms this means that energy has award given to projects of cultural, Union’s Cultural Heritage Award, already been put into constructing social or economic benefit to the was presented at a glittering the dwellings, although at the time community. Peter Bembridge, ceremony in Stockholm City Hall, of construction most of this was Managing Director, said that the Sweden, in the presence of Their sweat and toil as opposed to the Majesties the King and Queen of carbon producing energy expended Sweden. The award placed the today. Replacing them not only cottages in the company of such wastes this embodied energy, but sites and artefacts as the New consumes more in the demolition York Palace and Café, in Budapest, of the dwelling, the creation of Hungary, the Palace of Westminster materials and the process of build. in , ancient wall paintings Clearly renovation is not free of at Fulda in Germany, Brunel’s energy consumption but it is much SS Great Britain ship and a rock less expensive in this regard. carved church at Cappadocia in Moreover, traditional vernacular Turkey. The citation from Europa dwellings are also inherently energy Nostra on the Mourne scheme efficient when it comes to heating. praised the sensitive rehabilitation

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dwelling to give the appearance of a collection of smaller buildings. The Mourne Homesteads now stand as testament to what can be achieved when imagination, g e a determination, sympathetic design and excellence in construction are e r i t applied to traditional buildings.

H They also mark a fitting legacy to the late Dick Oram, one of

u i l t the driving forces behind the scheme. These once almost derelict B of derelict dwellings, with structures are now comfortable t h e

scrupulous regard for vernacular materials and techniques, that has greatly enhanced the landscape i n i nand g generated educational and a employment benefits. u s t

S Of course this very positive picture In 1957, the eminent academic does not come without its caveats. and author Estyn Evans, a man not Renovation is not for everyone and native to Mourne but inextricably can be more expensive than new associated with it, wrote in Irish build, partly because of the limited Folk Ways that ... more could availability of traditional building be said of the old styles, at their skills in Northern Ireland. However, best providing homes of character, as attitudes mature and planning comfort and beauty. The Mourne policy evolves to provide more Homesteads Scheme demonstrates incentives towards retention and that they not only could do so in renovation, there is a sense that Evans’ time but in the modern age. these skills will revive further and any differential in cost between renovation and new build will be less and less significant. Of course, one thing the scheme does not directly address is how sympathetic new build can greatly enhance the rural landscape. But it does give many family homes with all the pointers. The siting and features conveniences of 21st century living, of these traditional properties can together with the character that inspire and shape new design, be only time and history can provide. it in relation to details like windows And, as the pictures illustrate, and doors or broader shapes, such anyone going down the road of as broken rooflines and the irregular renovation will be well rewarded for alignment of sections of the any additional expense.

For owners inspired by this project interested in taking up that challenge we would recommend a publication that accompanied the scheme Traditional Buildings in Ireland: A Home Owners Handbook written by Dawson Stelfox and Richard Oram, which draw on the Mourne Homesteads experience and other examples. It provides practical guidance for those wishing to maintain, repair or restore traditional buildings. Copies of the handbook on CD Rom or of the external evaluation of the Mourne Homesteads scheme can be obtained from Mourne Heritage Trust. Tel. (028) 4372 4059, www. mournelive.com, or email mht@ mourne.co.uk.

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Learning from Experience on Orkney S t s u

Michael Coulter, Northern Ireland Environment Agency a g n i n i

At one stage in my career I was capital, Oslo, is closer to them

responsible for the maintenance than London. However, it was the of monuments and listed buildings Orkadians, with their real sense e h t throughout most of the north of of ownership of their monuments, B , including the northern who left me with a sense of being isles of Orkney and Shetland. a ‘blow-in’ - a short term in-putter t l i u The entire area is fascinating and to their long term care … and how interestingly contrasted. The right they were! Indeed it was, in H

Orkney archipelago is reminiscent of part, as a result of experiencing t i r e Northern Ireland, especially around that strong sense of local ownership

Strangford Lough (my home area), which caused me to choose to a e g except that the Orkadian landscape return home to Northern Ireland to increase in the amount of grant is almost bare of trees - and hedges help save, protect and promote our money available, the extent of grant are non-existent. built heritage. eligibility and in the percentage of grant-aid, the Northern Ireland Although the Edinburgh based Environment Agency (NIEA) now Historic Monuments and Buildings pays grant-aid at a consistent Branch (HMBB, of the Scottish 35% (replacing the former 20%, Development Department) was the 33.3% and 35% - although a higher statutory decision making body in percentage applies to work on relation to the prime Built Heritage historic thatch roofs) for work of on the islands, the combined input maintenance or repair to the historic of planning related decision by the fabric of Listed Buildings throughout Orkney Island Council, and the Northern Ireland. It also pays 75% higher (than HMBB) level of grant- of related fees for architects, etc. aid that they offered for works to The 35% reflects the average cost listed buildings, etc, provided local of utilising appropriate conservation representatives with very strong related materials and practices, leverage in any negotiations. My key lesson from there was, for example, the use of cast metal Nowhere else did I experience and still is, the fantastic sense of gutters and downpipes, or, say, real that same level of local ownership, ownership, by the whole community stonework, as opposed to cheaper, investment, commitment or ultimate on Orkney, in particular, of their short term - and generally less success in retaining (built) heritage. very rich archaeological and sustainable - alternatives. architectural heritage. All of their Thus Orkney provides a great role school children appear to visit model. In the current economic climate this the local monuments, with their grant-aid helps lever in additional teachers, and adults automatically investment to the local economy bring their friends and visitors to throughout NI, on at least a one them. That is something which I to three basis, and in most cases aspire to achieve here in Northern significantly more, because owners Ireland. also tend to undertake other non grant-eligible works at the I am an island (of Ireland) born same time. By its very nature architect, who was then living on and scale, most of this work, the bigger neighbouring island which is undertaken by the hard (of Great Britain), in Edinburgh hit construction sector, supports (where I trained in architecture and local jobs and skills. In turn, that architectural conservation), and paid investment also helps to support to help advise the northern islanders In addition, on those occasions local shops, offices and housing on the care of their monuments when we might feel that NI is etc, in addition to helping underpin and listed buildings. Shetlanders ‘remote’ from the main tourist ‘hot tourism, reinforce local community – or Zetlanders as some map still spots’ in England or France, it is identity and, last but by no means remind us – were (crudely and worth remembering the northern least, pride of place. rather inappropriately) characterised islanders, whose ‘country’ is rather as fishermen with a croft (a more difficult, time consuming and In many instances investment in small holding), as opposed to the expensive to get to than ours, yet listed buildings, often the key visual Orcadians – farmers with a boat - they still maintain a significant structures in a neighbourhood, helps and, as a result, a greater sense tourist trade … and, for example, to stimulate further redevelopment. of attachment to the land and its the Orcadian silver jewellery So, in summary, this is your heritage. Both groups of islanders industry (Ortak) that derives much heritage, our heritage, and by had a great sense of independence, additional trade from it. caring for it, it can work for us to the Shetlanders often providing Following a recent policy review, help sustain our quality of life, jobs the reminder that the Norwegian resulting in a very significant and our economy.

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Conservation in Practice

Dawson Stelfox, Consarc Design Group

Looking after our built heritage • Improve education, publicity architects, engineers, surveyors. not only preserves the past for and information sources to This is directed by being a condition the future but also acts as a activate demand and raise the of grant aided projects in England, major catalyst for regeneration, market for use of traditional Scotland and Wales and the provides significant employment building skills. indication of a move in this direction and is an important contributor to • Develop cross border in the new NIEA Historic Buildings sustainability. However, there are partnerships to maximise Grant Scheme. a number of significant barriers to flexibility and capacity of the quality conservation in Northern workforce. The RSUA runs an accessible Ireland: • Stress the sustainability of Conservation course, open to conserving and reusing old architects and other design 1. Skills shortages and knowledge buildings. professionals, leading to a gaps in consultants and • Encourage accreditation of Certificate or Diploma in Historic contractors. contractors and consultants. Building Conservation, and the 2. Regulating systems which are University of Ulster is planning an process led, not output led, and The Review also outlines a Skills MSc in Conservation. a lack of resources in Planning Action Plan for Northern Ireland Service and NIEA to support and with three key themes: There is a lack of useful, practical guide. guidance for consultants and e c h n i q u3. e s Restoration costs can be • Increase awareness of contractors. Building Regulations

T significantly higher than new and demand for the use of are written for new construction construction and VAT is applied traditional building craft skills and often judgement is required n d to repair and restoration works a and materials. in interpreting them for existing

but not new build. • Work towards achieving a buildings. There is little official fully skilled and qualified built guidance and authoritative technical

k i l l s How can these barriers be

S overcome? heritage sector. advice is needed on, for example: • Deliver flexible training and 1 Skills Shortages and skills development to meet • Upgrading existing buildings to Knowledge Gaps the needs of contractors and meet energy use standards. The recently published Skills Need consultants. • Adapting historic buildings to be Analysis of the built heritage accessible for all users. sector by the National Heritage The review points out that only 4% • Meeting fire regulations Training Group (www.nhtg.org. of architects in Northern Ireland without structural alterations or uk) is a stark demonstration of the are accredited in conservation, intrusions. skills shortages and knowledge whilst 75% of them are confident gaps in the construction industry of working on historic buildings, Extensive advice is available from in Northern Ireland. The report accounting for some 30–40% of GB bodies, for example, Historic provides hard evidence of both their workload. Scotland, but detailed, tailored demand and supply related to work information relevant to Northern on pre-1919 buildings and makes a There is a general move towards the Ireland is in short supply. NIEA number of strong recommendations, specialist training and accreditation does publish some technical including the need to: of conservation professionals — guidance notes and the Northern

Christchurch, before Christchurch, after

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Hanna’s Close, before Hanna’s Close, after

Ireland Stone Database (www. element in crucial to the success of have to ‘work’ and that those in stonedatabase.com) is a free the project, and that process should active use will be better cared for

technical website on all aspects for be the same regardless of whether than those lying empty and unused. S the use of stone in buildings, and it is a vernacular cottage, a church s l l i k associated mortars, fixings etc, but or a castle. This does differ from 2 Statutory Systems and a much more comprehensive set of a museum type approach where Support a guidance documents and material is ‘preservation’ of the object, without Despite some recent improvements, d n needed. it needing to function in a practical there is still a widespread feeling T way, is an option. that the Planning & Listed Building The maintenance, repair, systems are process-led rather than s e u q i n h c e conservation and restoration of The principles on which that process outcome-led, resulting in extensive historic buildings involves use is founded are: delays and little value added of a carefully balanced mix of content. skills, materials and techniques. • A thorough understanding of the Definitions of these terms are given building in historic, architectural There should be early recognition in the British Standard (BS 5750), and physical terms. of the overall public value of a but are summarised below using the • Maximisation of the retention of project and the practical support of example of a sliding sash window. original fabric. statutory authorities, co-ordinated • Protection and preservation of by Planning Service, should follow Maintenance: Minor works to historic character, patina and from such recognition. This support ensure continuing good performance ambience. should manifest itself in helping and condition for example replacing • Reversibility of necessary applicants through the statutory sash cords and painting. interventions. processes.

Repair: Works of correction or This also has to be founded on an In addition to this, there are a replacement to an element of the understanding that most buildings number of broad policy initiatives building or object e.g. replacing a parting bead or a rotted cill member, but not the whole window. The Conservation Process The process of conservation should include all the following elements: Conservation: Works to conserve the integrity of the original object Survey Understanding the building - historical development with the maximum amount of - architectural intentions historic material - for example a - how it is constructed thorough dismantling of a jammed - condition it is now in up and partially rotted sash window, This should be recorded to inform future generations of the status repairing elements as necessary and of the building at this point in time. reassembling the original. Standards What is expected of a conservation project - contents, sourcing Restoration: Works to restore information. the original character where Designing the project to meet those standards, and integrating elements are missing or incapable them with your requirements of functionality. of restoration. For example, putting back in correctly detailed sliding Specification Setting down the standards of materials and workmanship that sash windows. you want to or need to work to.

Sourcing How to achieve what you want - sources of materials and skilled Practical conservation involves using labour. all of these methods, quite possibly in one element and almost certainly Supervision Making sure you get what you have specified. in any one building. The process Keeping records of work in progress and what you have actually by which the decisions are made done, to assist future work. as to what method is used for each

March 2009 11 Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

that could significantly benefit vernacular houses to let them would remain similar, the saving heritage-led regeneration including: decay to a point where they can in repair cost VAT being offset by say they are no longer capable greater income from new build • Adoption of the ‘Poundbury’ of viable restoration, yet still construction. Non-recoverable principles, named after sufficiently intact to allow a VAT is eligible for grant aid from the Prince of Wales’s new replacement permission. In high NIEA and churches can avail of development which involved scenic areas such as AONB’s, the Chancellor’s Listed Building of re-writing the road layout rule at least, policy guidance must Worship initiative and reclaim VAT book to place an emphasis on make it clear that restoration is on works of repair and alteration. people, not cars, with intelligent the primary choice. mixed-use rather than Whole Life Costs and Carbon discrete zoning, socially mixed 3 Cost Costing communities and traditional The perception, and sometimes scale, materials and design. reality, of high restoration costs is Short term costing does not take These principles would benefit a major factor in preventing repair into account longevity of materials, heritage-led regeneration and reuse projects. In simple, carbon use during manufacture projects by introducing a level short term costs this may well be and transporting, or the embodied of flexibility into planning and the case but a broader view and energy of existing buildings, all of road design guidance. new initiatives are required to offset which — when properly considered these perceptions. — support the value of historic • A robust policy of assessing the buildings. case for enabling development, measuring heritage and other Grant Aid public benefits. There are many cases where restoration of The new NIEA grant system heritage buildings is not a viable provides significant levels of e c h n i q u e s proposition. Whereas grant aid historic building grant aid and has revitalised the conservation

T can provide the solution for community groups and Trusts, workload in Northern Ireland. There n d is also a wide range of other grants

a a solution for private sector developers may well require and loans – see AHF website enabling development, that is (www.ahfund.org.uk). k i l l s development that otherwise S There is a risk of ‘battle fatigue’ would not get planning Kilmacrew cottage thatching in the conservation movement – permission but can be justified if owners and consultants wrestling it secures the future of historic with unnecessary hurdles, where buildings. This is a difficult VAT even the statutory and funding policy area but whilst English bodies put in place to help end Heritage have detailed policy There is a long-standing campaign in creating bureaucratic and guidance, there is no such to demand VAT equality at 5% unresponsive systems. The rules local policy based on Northern on all construction works. This need to be re-written and all Ireland experience. has widespread support amongst policies, guidance and state support heritage organisations, on the should be aligned to achieving what • Policy Interpretation and basis that it would encourage more has now been well proved by many guidance: PPS 6 (Planning works of repair and maintenance built examples, that regeneration Archaeology and the Built to be carried out and that it for our towns villages and Heritage) and PPS 21 would reduce the cost differential countryside can be efficiently and (Sustainable Development in between restoration and new build effectively achieved by investment the Countryside) both have where such choice exists. It is also in historic building restoration, significant impacts on the use, proposed that the total tax take repair and reuse. repair and restoration of the built heritage, but interpretation of policy is somewhat subjective and complex. In the case of PPS 21 this is partly at least to be realised with the commissioning of a Design Guide for rural Northern Ireland. However, this may not go far enough in interpreting policy. For example, the policy detail in PPS 21 supports repair and reuse of vernacular buildings whilst at the same time the ‘headline’ policies seemingly reduce the criteria for allowing replacement dwellings. As PPS21 stands at the moment, the concern is that it will encourage owners of restorable Kilmacrew, after

Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage 12 March 2009 NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

‘Home and Dry’ for Owners of Historic Buildings

Rita Harkin, Ulster Architectural Heritage Society

The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society has long recognised the importance of connecting directly with listed building owners. These undervlaued custodians of our built heritage often feel isolated and daunted at the prospect of researching their building, dealing with architects, and embarking upon restoration schemes. S s l l i k

a d n T s e u q i n h c e

Laurel View Villa, Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone

Owners’ Forum in the award Historical Society to organise winning Braid Museum and Arts ‘Traditional Buildings in the 21st Centre in Ballymena in November Century’ in Cushendall on Saturday 2008 where the new grant regime 25 April. could be explained. Over 700 owners signed up, so the thirst for this down-to-earth approach The generously illustrated and Ballymena Town Hall (now part of to providing practical information accessible www.homeanddry.info Braid Museum and Arts Centre) and showcasing best practice is web site was a key component still evident. We are collaborating of the HLF application, giving the with the Federation of Ulster Local owners a helping hand from the The ‘Home and Dry’ series, initially Studies and the comfort of their home. funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, has sought to demystify the methods of care and repair by bringing conservation professionals and craftsmen to owners in informal interactive settings within historic buildings across the North. Venues have included the Verbal Arts Centre, Derry, Clotworthy House, Antrim, Markethill Courthouse and the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, where the courtyard has acted as a perfect showcase for skills demonstrations.

The series began in 2001 and events have been held in all six counties as well as Donegal, where the ‘How to Restore Traditional Buildings’ event on Gola Island attracted over 200 applicants! Last year we were asked by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to organise a Listed Building 'Home and Dry' outing to Gola Island, Donegal

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Honing Skills

Rita Harkin, Ulster Architectural Heritage Society

In a time of great economic build and often neglect to teach the uncertainty, particularly in the key differences between traditional construction industry, focusing on and modern construction. much-needed training provision and value-added craft skills can promote An important piece of research a swifter recovery. Maintenance by the National Heritage Training of existing buildings represents Group is the first to have focused a substantial percentage of on traditional building skills on an construction work and is of course all-Ireland basis and it provides a much more sustainable, yet colleges thorough baseline study on the built almost solely concentrate on new heritage sector. Skills demo at Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra

‘Traditional Building Craft Skills: Assessing the Need, Meeting the Challenge – Skills Needs Analysis of the Built Heritage Sector in Ireland’ was launched in January by Sir Reg e c h n i q u e s Empey, Employment and Learning

T Minister, at the Grade A listed Crumlin Road Gaol, where sensitive n d

a repair to the stone and ironwork by skilled local craftsmen has taken place. k i l l s S The report identified that most craftspeople lack the specialist knowledge and experience in traditional methods and materials. The vast majority of those working on pre-1919 buildings are general builders, with only 14% seeing themselves as conservation or heritage specialists. Their use of a mixture of traditional and modern materials for repairs work can damage and undermine the integrity of the historic building.

Not only does the report highlight the importance of and potential wrapped up in our historic buildings and traditional craft skills, but it also maps out the crucial steps that should be taken to improve the training infrastructure in Ireland. It is heartening to note that NIEA’s Moira Depot is to take the lead and that Northern Ireland is to benefit from the Heritage Lottery Funded Training Bursary Scheme led by Historic Scotland with a focus on masonry.

Copies of the report can be viewed at www.nhtg.org.uk. The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society has published a series of Directories of Traditional Building Skills in association with the NIEA. The latest edition is available to view Skills demo at Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra at www.uahs.org.uk.

Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage 14 March 2009 NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

Raising a Glass to the Cathedral Quarter

Rita Harkin, Ulster Architectural Heritage Society

In an increasingly visual society together to effect change and Conservation Area and range we all need to be much more encourage exemplary arts and from the distinctive listed 19th imaginative in the way in which heritage-led regeneration. century red brick group on we grab the public’s attention. curved Lower Garfield Street The Cathedral Quarter ‘buildings Planning Service designated to the fire-damaged 1930s at risk’ beer mat was designed to the Cathedral Conservation North Street arcade, with its get everyone talking about the Area in 1990 and its policy is unusual kinked plan form. All future of these assets within the to: “protect and enhance the are underused and some were heart of the birthplace of Belfast. essential characteristics of the earmarked for demolition as part Cathedral Conservation Area of the ‘Royal Exchange’ retail The mat is the latest feature and encourage the retention, driven proposals for the area. of the long running ‘Let’s Get rehabilitation and re-use of However, all the buildings are It Right’ campaign where an existing buildings wherever brimming with potential and the exciting fusion of arts and possible”. beer mat aims to prompt debate S heritage groups, architects, about their immediate and long- s l l i k artists, playwrights, and local All the buildings shown on the term future in this designated

businesses have been working mat are located within the cultural quarter. a d n T s e u q i n h c e

March 2009 15 Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

Northern Ireland’s Building Preservation Trusts

Primrose Wilson, Northern Ireland Association of Preservation Trusts

We all accept the mantra ‘Reuse BPTs are formed by local groups Trust and Cushendun BPT to find a first, recycle second’ in relation who are concerned about a historic way forward for House and to our household rubbish. But building in their area which has the redundant Church of Ireland in do we use the same philosophy been neglected and is an eyesore. Cushendun. when considering what to do with They recognise its potential to our historic buildings? Do we regenerate their locality, to bring It is great to restore a historic consider that by retaining them we in external funding and to enhance building but it must have a use will be saving embodied energy, their community facilities. BPT to ensure its future economic regenerating communities and members, who frequently serve sustainability. BPTs carry out creating employment, as well as as trustees also, act in a voluntary feasibility studies and prepare helping our environment? Those capacity. Those involved do not live business plans long before they who own and live in historic in the buildings they restore – they apply for funding to restore a buildings do this day-by-day (even rescue them for their communities. property. The solution is different for though they may not see it in quite There is no personal benefit to the each building, but to obtain public those terms!). But what happens trustees other than as members of funds there must be access and a when a historic church or school the community in which the building good economic use. But sometimes closes and becomes a magnet for is located. finding the new use is a major anti-social behaviour? Often the cry problem. The BPTs have a range of goes up for its demolition! But there A restored building has the potential expertise to draw on – other trusts are dedicated people within the built to attract tourists to the area and from around the UK as well as in heritage movement who want to provides an excellent example of Northern Ireland. The Association of reuse those buildings for the public sustainable development. Historic Preservation Trusts, which I chair, is good. buildings which have been restored a networking organisation. We meet by building preservation trusts in There are some 25 Building twice a year, usually in the most Northern Ireland include Gracehill Preservation Trusts in Northern recently completed project, and are Old School, the chimney at Sion Ireland ranging in size and age. inspired by others ingenuity and Mills, Christ Church, College Square Hearth, the longest established flair. And perhaps to muse on a few North, Belfast, Mullycovet Mill, trust, formed in 1972, has restored lines from a well-known poet: Belcoo, Holywood Old School, some 40 historic buildings at a Portrush Town Hall and Belmont cost of £5 million. In contrast, the This now our Heritage Old School in East Belfast (to name newest member of the Association, To guard, delight in, brood upon, but a few!). Projects currently the Follies Trust, was only formed in And in these transitory fragments underway include the restoration 2006 and is just completing its first scan c t i o n of White House, Newtownabbey, project! Building Preservation Trusts The immortal longings in the soul of and Conway Mill, in West Belfast, A (BPTs) are charitable bodies and man. by local trusts. Meanwhile studies in Walter de la Mare

companies limited by guarantee. continue by the Friends of Lissan Some trusts are formed to save just g e

a one building (for example Belmont Old School Trust) but others, e r i t known as revolving fund trusts (for

H example Hearth), use the roll over from the sale of successful projects to fund other schemes. In A Sustainable Development Strategy for Northern Ireland – First Steps Towards Sustainability a stated key target is to ‘Rescue at least 200 structures on the Built Heritage at Risk in Northern Ireland Register by 2016’. BPTs are playing a key role in assisting the NIEA to deliver this target by restoring buildings at risk. We were delighted when additional public recognition of the contribution BPTs are making to the sustainability agenda came to Hearth when it was declared Winner of NIHE Home Energy Awards 2009 - most energy efficient refurbishment scheme - for its project to restore Ormeau Park Ormeau Park House, Belfast House, Belfast.

Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage 16 March 2009 NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

Breathing New Life into Old Buildings

Diane Ruddock, The National Trust

Most people, when they think of projects at Crom have been more Cottage and the East Pavilion. The the National Trust, think of the modest, keeping cottages in good mansion at The Argory re-opened in ‘grand’ built heritage in the care of order, and gradually bringing those Spring 2008 following an 18 month the conservation charity: the neo- in poorest repair back into use. conservation project costing more Classical splendour of Castle Coole, In recent years we have added than £1.2 million. This involved or the quirky two facades of Castle Mullynacoagh Gate Lodge, Kerr’s structural and renovation work to Ward. The Trust is well known for Cottage and the Gardener’s Bothy to replace outdated wiring, security such treasures, but this is only part the list of buildings restored to high and fire detection systems. All of the picture. standards. 82 windows were removed and refurbished carefully to ensure that The National Trust in Northern We have also concentrated on The none of the original panes of glass Ireland is also responsible for Argory, near Moy, in the past three from 1825 were broken. Eight miles many other buildings – from years, with long-disused buildings of electrical and electronic cabling mills to monuments, cottages to painstakingly restored and available were installed throughout the public houses, and two villages for letting. These include Red mansion and all kinds of packaging, (Cushendun and Kearney). These Cottage, Conlon’s Cottage, Meadow from bubble wrap to acid free tissue are an equally important part of our built heritage in Northern Ireland. Here are some examples of how the Trust is investing in and breathing new life into old buildings. Many of the 200 smaller buildings in the Trust’s care are part of demesnes which have a ‘big house’ at their heart. As well as having architectural or vernacular interest in their own right, they also form part of the social history of the area. The cottage names, which we retain today, reflect either the occupations or surnames of former residents H whose life and work contributed t i r e to the well-being of the close-knit a

estate community. e g

Crom, near Newtownbutler in in

Co. Fermanagh, is known for its A stunning setting on Lough Erne and its biodiversity. But Crom is also n o i t c distinguished by its built heritage. Some buildings, associated with the hard work of the demesne – the Old Farmyard, the Forge Yard – were tucked away, so as not to mar the views from Crom Castle which remains in private ownership. Others, however, are beautifully proportioned cottages or follies, set comfortably in the landscape forming an integral part of the visual treat. Since acquiring Crom Demesne in 1987, the Trust has invested steadily in the fabric of the buildings. In the early 1990s, with grants from Northern Ireland Tourist Board and International Fund for Ireland, the Old Farmyard buildings were sensitively restored to provide seven holiday cottages, visitor reception, tearoom, and access to the lough. Most of our The Crown Bar

March 2009 17 Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

and wood, were used to protect to demolition and re-building, we over 5,000 items during the work. are actively working to reduce our We also come up with imaginative own carbon footprint as part of schemes to provide new uses for the Trust’s commitment to tackling buildings. A prime example is the climate change. Laundry House at Castle Coole, where work is nearing completion Conservation often goes on ‘behind on a sensitive conversion project the scenes’ with no public profile. So which will provide two new when it came to restoring the Crown available for letting. We Bar, Belfast in 2007, the idea of have also just converted a vacant remaining open for business seemed building in the Forge Yard at Crom preposterous at first! But for six The Crown Bar into three bedroom accommodation. months, specialist conservators More unusually, we restored the worked on the paintwork, tiles, projects, and we spend about Bothy on Salt Island, ceramics, glass, mirrors, and £450,000 each year on repairs and Lough. This simple stone building woodwork, alongside the Crown’s protection. Most of this money is is now a bunkhouse providing basic regular customers and tourists invested in the Northern Ireland accommodation for canoeists using attracted to this fine ‘high-Victorian economy, using local firms and the canoe trail. gin palace’. The project was carried enhancing local specialist skills. It’s a far cry from a National Trust out with funding from and full Refurbished cottages are available mansion, but with its running water, support of Mitchells and Butlers, to rent, providing good quality toilets, wood-burning stove (bring who leases the Crown. Customers housing, usually in rural areas. The your own wood) and kitchen area enjoyed seeing what is involved in rental income provides essential (bring your own cooker) it provides making their ‘local’ so special, while funds for us to plough back into welcome shelter at the end of a the conservators welcomed the future conservation projects. day’s paddling – a veritable ‘Hilton’ opportunity to showcase their skills. of bothies! Through these projects, the Trust Ongoing investment in the fabric makes a useful contribution to the We take advantage of our cottage of our buildings is crucial to the protection of Northern Ireland’s built restorations and other building National Trust. Many major projects heritage. But looking more broadly, projects to include high insulation would have been impossible without there are huge opportunities to use and energy efficiency standards. grant aid from the Northern Ireland the built heritage across our cities, For example, Meadow’s Cottage Environment Agency. We have towns and villages as a catalyst at The Argory has lambswool wall worked closely with colleagues at for economic regeneration through insulation and Warmcell (recycled the Agency to pilot a ‘continuing sensitive reuse. denim and paper) in the roof. Solar care’ project, which ensures that It is essential that Northern Ireland thermal water heating is being properties can be maintained in has robust land use planning policies introduced in a new good order by adopting a ‘stitch that protect our built heritage, as being created within the mansion in time’ approach to conservation. well as economic development at , as well as at the This approach is relevant to policies which recognise the value

c t i oextended n visitor facilities at Carrick- everyone with responsibilities for of our built heritage to underpin a-Rede. Right across our properties historic buildings.

A urban regeneration and support our we have introduced 1,330 low in developing tourism economy. In energy lightbulbs and installed Apart from the intrinsic value of this way, we can ensure that that

g e almost 9,000 square metres of our built heritage, the Trust’s work Northern Ireland’s built heritage a insulation with support from NIE demonstrates that there are many legacy has a meaningful part to play Energy. So as well as saving benefits to breathing new life into e r i t in our future social and economic embodied energy by re-using old old buildings. In the past three

H well-being. buildings, and demonstrating that years we have invested around restoration is a viable alternative £5million in building conservation Photos by Peter Muhly.

Meadow Cottage, The Argory, The National Trust

Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage 18 March 2009 NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

Revolving from Derelict to Desirable

Marcus Patton, Hearth Housing Association

Historic buildings coming on the surplus to put into the kitty for a Northern Ireland. It was established market — even those in poor more ambitious project the next in 1972 by the National Trust and condition — usually find a new time - this type of trust is known the Ulster Architectural Heritage owner eventually, because they are as a revolving fund. Or it may have Society. With the Troubles getting distinctive and unusual properties, acquired the building to run it for a under way it was not a propitious and often local landmarks. Once particular purpose, and will usually time to be restoring property of restored they make excellent and take on longer term mortgages to any kind, let alone the kind of memorable hotels, splendid offices enable it to pay off the restoration small houses that had no statutory and grand (or cosy) houses. They costs without selling the property, protection (listing didn’t really get are not everyone’s cup of tea, which it may then manage as a under way here till 1974) and was but the person whose cup of tea community resource or museum. considered unfit and thoroughly they are will seize them with both undesirable by most public hands once introduced and suitably There are now half a dozen active authorities. As a result, Hearth financed. Listed buildings make up BPTs in Northern Ireland, and a sidetracked for a number of years roughly 4% of our building stock, number of others are preparing for into forming a housing association and anyone who wants an old schemes or have already completed with a similar objective, and Hearth building of character will not be projects and become building Housing Association restored 20 or spending much time looking at the managers rather than BPTs. At 30 houses as social housing before remaining 96%. Gracehill the Old School has just the Revolving Fund got under way been restored by a local trust, which again in the mid 1980s. is going to run the building for a variety of uses including educational purposes. At Belmont old school in east Belfast, the BPT set out to restore the building as a creche but found themselves taking on a much more ambitious scheme that has resulted in excellent facilities including a cafe and meeting rooms, while the school’s distinctive white

timber tower, once threatened with H

demolition, remains a proud and t i r e much-loved symbol of that part of

the city. a e g

There are two revolving fund in trusts in the province. The Belfast A Buildings Preservation Trust has completed two large and very n o i t c prominent restorations of burnt- out ecclesiastical structures in the city, Christ Church and St Patrick’s St George’s Church, High Street, Belfast Schools. The latter had been gutted The Albert Clock, Belfast by fire but now forms excellent However, even the most determined offices and a bookshop, with a of historic building hunters draws large restored classroom that is Hearth’s first scheme was the small the line at some buildings that are available for community use. Christ stone lockhouse on the Lagan just too derelict, too remote, too Church was restored in association Navigation at Drumbeg. Built in large or simply the wrong shape for with the Royal Belfast Academic 1760, it would be the oldest house their purpose, and those buildings Institution and is now its library in Belfast if it was situated 20 yards would be lost were it not for the and IT centre — a demonstration further north and lay within the city creature known as the Building that old buildings are nothing if boundary. The little building was Preservation Trust (BPT). A BPT is a not flexible and quite capable of faced with a closing order as it had charitable body (usually a company meeting the challenges of modern no proper services and was very limited by guarantee) managed by life. Again there is space that is run down, but Hearth was able to a voluntary committee that raises used for lectures in the building so borrow sufficient funds to restore money in the form of grants and that the public can appreciate the it, sell it on to new owners and loans to enable it to buy and restore fine interior as well as the exterior repay its loans. The Revolving Fund buildings at risk which have fallen shell. still had no real funds to move on, by the wayside. Once restored, the but over the next few years it was trust may decide to sell the building The other is Hearth Revolving able to build up a modest capital on and, after repaying its loans, it Fund, which is the oldest and was sum and restore more buildings will hopefully have made a modest for many years the only BPT in as it went. These included an

March 2009 19 Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

important group of a dozen houses associated with problem buildings, their resolve in refusing Listed below St Patrick’s Cathedral in the fees earned from outside work Buildings Consent for demolition Armagh, terrace houses in Moira can be ploughed back into Hearth’s in more straightforward cases. which stimulated the restoration own projects. With the BARNI catalogues and a of many more derelict houses in number of willing BPTs on hand, the village, and a terrace of late Hearth is expected shortly to enter most buildings can be restored. Georgian houses in the Markets into a ‘back to back’ arrangement And if that point is successfully area of Belfast which became the with the Department of the made there are other challenges, first city centre houses offered for Environment in taking over the first for example how old buildings sale for many years, as well as historic building in the province to can be upgraded to meet the be compulsorily acquired following challenge of increasingly stringent building repairs notices. As difficult building regulations and energy owners are one of the commonest standards. In a recent (unlisted) reasons for buildings falling into building restoration, Hearth Housing disrepair, this mechanism opens the Association demonstrated that old way for Trusts to take on a number houses can come very close to of other prominent buildings at the standards achievable in new risk and should form an important construction while still retaining precedent. most of their character. Where there are important interior features to retain the challenge is greater, and It is one of Hearth’s tenets that no this is an area which Hearth intends Portrush Town Hall listed building need ever be lost, to explore further in the next few and by tackling some of the most years, while continuing to provide providing an important bookend difficult cases it hopes to provide new life for old buildings that may to the group of early Victorian and planners with sufficient examples have looked like they had reached Georgian buildings in that area. of what can be done to stiffen the end of their road. Hearth Revolving Fund has now restored some 30 houses and other buildings, including a theatre in the form of Portrush Town Hall, many of them restored on very tight finances; but it is the partnership of the revolving fund with the housing association that has been its great success. When a building has been located in a difficult area BPT activity was not easy, but sometimes the housing association could tackle the project; when social housing schemes were difficult, c t i o n the BPT could provide useful fee A income; and the stability provided in

by managing the stock of around

g e a hundred housing association a properties means that staff can be employed and are available to run e r i t BPT projects as well. H This is done through the fact that Hearth’s director is an architect (and it now has an assistant director who is also an architect), enabling it to run its own projects in greater detail than a trust normally can. The Trust therefore employs the Association’s staff to design and supervise projects, and the variety of work between the two organisations provides a continuity of work that most trusts cannot enjoy. Hearth also provides architectural services for other housing associations looking at historic buildings, and has worked for other bodies like the Irish Landmark Trust and also private individuals restoring derelict or difficult historic buildings. As well as giving the Trust a greater insight into the problems and solutions Newsletter Office, Belfast

Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage 20 March 2009 NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

Compulsory Aquisition of a Listed Building: The Stable Block at Sion Mills Michael Coulter, Northern Ireland Environment Agency

Article 109 of the Planning Heritage Sector/Lobby that the That said, the Minister’s decision (NI) Order 1991 states (1) If it Stable Block in Sion Mills was the - indeed his instruction – to move appears to the Department that, longest standing, ‘thorn in the flesh’ to compulsory acquisition was very in the case of a listed buildings of Built Heritage Conservation in welcome. … reasonable steps are not being Northern Ireland. I also sought and taken for properly preserving it, the obtained agreement from the group Also very welcome has been the Department may, … compulsorily that, given that this would be the outcome of the recent appeal acquire the building and any land … first time in Northern Ireland that against the earlier Repairs Notice which appears to the Department these powers were (then likely) – an essential pre-requisite to to be required for preserving the to be applied, it would be prudent compulsory acquisition served building or its amenities, or for to focus on a single case, least we under Article 80 of The Planning affording access to it, or for its made any mistakes which might Order – and the works associated proper control or management. render our attempts at legal action with it. The appeal was not upheld ineffective – thus our risk would be (see Planning Appeals Commission limited to a single ‘loss’ rather than website). This is a very strong power, and multiple losses. not one that the Department would An appeal against such a notice seek to use lightly. However, in and associated works may be made some cases the use of even such Even with a focus on one single (only) on the following grounds (see seemingly draconian powers is case, this has been an exceptionally Article 80(8)): appropriate. The compulsory difficult, challenging and very time acquisition of the Stable Block at (and resource) consuming action (a) that some or all of the Sion Mills is just such a case – and a that has had many many twists works were unnecessary for the first in Northern Ireland. and turns. That is not to say that I preservation of the building. am seeking to focus on an excuse for, or justification of, the length Some years ago, when I was the of time taken over this case. It is (b) in the case of works for Principal Conservation Architect more a statement of fact. A very affording temporary support with the Department (1999–2002), considerable amount of work has or shelter, that the temporary I agreed with a group of various been done on this case over many arrangements have continued for an stakeholders representing the Built years. unreasonable length of time. H t i r e a e g

in A n o i t c

March 2009 21 Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

(c) that the amount specified in That said, although we (the acquisition. I am pleased to report the notice is unreasonable or that Department) now own the building that in the majority of these cases the recovery of it would cause him and have secured it by ‘mothballing’, this has resulted in positive works, hardship. the long-standing intention has by the owner, to help secure these always been to pass the building listed buildings from further damage on to an appropriate – caring – or rapid deterioration. I have no The outcome is that, in essence, owner for conservation and reuse. doubt that the effectiveness of compensation to which the owner The HEARTH Building Preservation these letters has been enhanced by is, or would otherwise be, legally Trust has long been seen as the the fact that the Department has entitled will be used to off-set the most appropriate alternative owner, now undertaken its first compulsory cost of works carried out under the c t i o n it has also, along with the local acquisition under Article 109 – that terms of the Repairs Notice. Strabane District Council, been a is, by using our statutory teeth. A Thus we have the successful strong supporter of the compulsory in

completion of this first ever Article acquisition. In parallel with using the ‘teeth’ or 109 compulsory acquisition of a ‘big stick’ of the legislation we have g e a listed building in Northern Ireland. We hope that HEARTH will soon also revised our grant-aid policy in agree to accept ownership of the an effort to encourage more positive e r i t building (some legal issues remain action by existing owners of listed H to be resolved) and to advance buildings. a scheme that will, inevitably, involve some degree of informed restoration.

Thus we look forward to seeing the building returned to its original appearance and given an appropriate use that will help sustain its future.

Meanwhile, as all of this action (much of it in the background Following — and indeed in the run- away from public view) has been up to — the acquisition, we have taking place we have issued letters taken prompt action to secure the of concern to more than twenty existing structure and to protect other buildings/buildings owners, the public from it. We have also highlighting our powers, but seeking taken into off site storage important to ensure appropriate action to components of the building, save these buildings without having including significant parts of the to take more ‘draconian’ action historic clock (and clock tower). up to and including compulsory

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Mapping, Monitoring and Visualising Built Heritage

John Meneely, Queen’s University Belfast

Figure 1. Laser scan of Brasenose College Façade, Oxford

Increasing awareness of climate we see and use every day). Our Some multi-disciplinary initiatives change and its possible effects on historic buildings were designed for are already underway to address our environment are now widely our specific local climate. these problems. The Noah’s Ark known. It is predicted that changes Changes to this climate will Project (http://noahsark.isac. we will see over the next 100 years accelerate some processes of cnr.it/) has brought together include variations in temperature, building decay, whereas others may researchers from all over Europe rainfall, extreme weather events, be delayed. Weathering scientists to investigate the wide range of groundwater and sea level. This can describe the effect these effects global climate change may concern often concentrates on the changes will have on individual have on Built Heritage. Some of its impact climate change will have decay processes but it is difficult objectives include the production of on natural environments — loss to determine the overall risk posed webbased Climate Risk Maps and of habitats to sea level rise, etc — by climate change on complete a Vulnerability Atlas for heritage often neglecting the impact on the structures undergoing a range of managers to assess the threats material environment especially the complex decay processes using of climate change. CyArk (www. historic built environment (buildings currently available data. cyark.org), whose mission is to digitally preserve cultural heritage sites at risk by collecting, archiving and providing open access to data created by laser scanning (Figure 1), digital modelling, and other S

state-of-the-art technologies, has e n o t already collected large amounts of data on some of the world’s most

iconic ancient structures. U

Preserving these structures in digital r e d n form provides heritage professionals with tools and information they can use to help physically preserve their T

sites. This practice also provides for e r h a universally accessible repository a

of cultural heritage information. t This information can also become a catalyst for educational initiatives, and ensures that future generations have access to a record of human Figure 2. 12m long Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of limestone wall New College, Oxford. history that may have otherwise been lost forever.

March 2009 23 Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

A B Figure 3. DEMs of weathered experimental blocks. A, Stone surface before weathering. B, Stone surface after 80 intensive weathering cycles.

With ever increasing computing involved the 3D monitoring of process models it should be possible power combined with easy access buildings, walls and in situ building to show how these structures may to the Internet the time has arrived stones (Figure 2). react and look in the future under a where a person is no longer bound wide range of scenarios. to their local surroundings to The Limestone Project also included experience built heritage. Virtual laboratory-based accelerated This process of virtual buildings and environments are weathering experiments on reconstruction can be extended readily available and navigable. limestone blocks, during which the to virtual restoration. An object or These buildings are recorded exposed surfaces were regularly even a building that is incomplete, using the very latest 3D surveying captured with an object scanner visually unattractive or difficult for technologies. Some of these (Figure 3). the public to comprehend can be laser-based scanners can capture placed inside a virtual showcase. 500,000 points on a surface in one Digital elevation modelling and Missing pieces, surfaces or walls can second and some can scan from up geostatistical analysis of the data then be replaced using 3D graphics to 300m away while maintaining an collected is helping to shed new software. This technology will allow accuracy of 2mm. Object scanners, light on the scale, rate and range of us to display a multitude of possible at the other end of the scale, can processes involved in the decay of solutions for incomplete objects capture over 30,000 data points on limestone buildings in the natural and structures, which should help small objects, building stones or environment (Figure 4). improve the public understanding architectural detail with accuracies of heritage. In some situations of 0.05mm in seconds. It is now this could mean we can avoid the possible to capture a whole building This routine monitoring of our need to produce physical replicas in 3D with millimetre accuracy historic structures can aid scientists of an object. It may also allow us in less than a day. This is digital with predicting what will happen to to circumvent the debate about reality, not virtual reality. our built heritage and allow them to check the accuracy of climate conservation and restoration, as the original will remain untouched. Both these large- and small-scale change decay models by asking the scanning technologies have been models to predict what has already used by weathering scientists occurred. Engaging today’s digital generation working on the Limestone Project with a format they understand (www.qub.ac.uk/geomaterials/ As well as showing buildings as they more than most, 3D, will hopefully epsrc), a joint study involving are, computer modelling of these encourage them to gain further researchers from Queen’s University historic structures can show us knowledge of the problems and Oxford University investigating how they used to look in the past associated with climate change – the catastrophic decay of building – virtual reconstruction. Combining which can only help empower the limestone. Part of this research this with climate change and decay decision makers of the future. t a h r e T n d e r U t o n e S

2006 2008 Figure 4. Time series DEMs from part of New College wall, Oxford. Areas of major loss are highlighted in 2008. From 2006 to 2008 a volume of limestone equivalent to the volume of a football was lost over just this area (1.5m x 0.9m).

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Background to Urban Stone Decay

Bernard Smith, Queen’s University Belfast

Introduction: The classic example of this is, of more exposed to the effects of The Nature of Stone Decay course, the exposure of stone to rainwash (Figure 1). All stone will eventually decay elevated levels of atmospheric through natural weathering acidity associated with pollution ‘Acid rain’ is not, however, the processes, and placing stone in derived from the burning of fossil only means by which atmospheric a building does not immunise it fuels. This most obviously produces pollution attacks stonework, and from such weathering. It is widely the classic cocktail of pollutants that may not even be the major one, accepted, however, that placing make up so-called ‘acid rain,’ and given that many buildings are stone in an urban environment which in turn has been responsible not made of limestone, but may typically exposes it to a wide range for the enhanced dissolution of be constructed of, for example, of additional weathering processes many limestone buildings. This quartz sandstones that are and new micro-climatic conditions. especially applies to the detailed relatively immune to dissolution. These can drastically accelerate ornamentation and statues found Instead, atmospheric pollution decay and significantly curtail the on prestigious buildings that have a can act in a number of ways to ‘life expectancy’ of stonework. high surface area and are therefore damage buildings that are linked to the deposition of complex acid particulates directly onto the stone surface, reactions between moist stone and gases in the atmosphere (mainly oxides of nitrogen and sulphur) and the direct deposition of moisture on stone through dew and frost.

These effects are generally referred to under the combined title of ‘acid deposition’ rather than ‘acid rain’. In this way acid reactions can take place in sheltered areas that are not normally reached by rain. Of these reactions, the most important is that between sulphur dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels that converts first to sulphur trioxide and then to sulphuric acid. This can react with, for example, limestone (calcium carbonate) to form much more soluble calcium sulphate or gypsum. In rain- affected areas gypsum is washed away and this forms the basis of much solution loss, but in sheltered areas the gypsum can crystallise on the surface and through the incorporation of combustion

particles and soot, it forms the S black crusts that are so common on e n o t buildings in polluted environments (Figure 2). This can even occur on U non-limestone buildings because

the acid can react with the lime in r e d n mortars and the dust that lands on buildings is often rich in calcium T carbonate or gypsum itself – where the particles have reacted with e r h gas in the atmosphere before a

deposition. In fact, the presence t of dust on the surface of stone has been shown to help the formation of gypsum crusts, through acting Figure 1. Solution and loss of detail from a Portland limestone as crystallisation nuclei for gypsum statue erected in Trafalgar Square in 1675. precipitation.

March 2009 25 Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

It is the fact that salts can subject mixed with gypsum it can increase stone to multiple stress cycles over the latter’s solubility and help it a single day that makes it such penetrate deeper into stone. a potent cause of decay. Much more so than, for example, frost, To Clean or Not to Clean which is infrequent and requires It is the ability of salts to penetrate special weather conditions. Frost into stone that lies at the centre of can, however, be very effective the scientific debate as to whether at exploiting weaknesses within stone created by long-term salt black crusts should be removed weathering and so it is common from buildings. One school of to see a major loss of stone after thought suggests that for many weak stones they could act as a Figure 2. Black gypsum crusts developed a frost, even though it was not protective layer that binds the on the sheltered areas of a white limestone its main cause. It should also be stone together. Cleaning it away, column in Venice. Areas washed by rain remembered that salts can also especially using aggressive blasting remain clean, but are subject to solution loss. get into stone from other sources, such as rising groundwater, and and washing techniques, can both remove protection crust and directly The Importance of Salts directly from marine aerosols and often it is the combination of salts erode the weakened subsurface The significance of gypsum and layer. Conversely, others argue that associated black crusts goes far from different sources that cause black crusts act as a reservoir of beyond the damage that it can do to most damage. For example, sodium potentially damaging salts that can the look or aesthetics of a building chloride from sea salt (and road be washed into the underlying stone — although this is possibly the salt) is not particularly aggressive as to crystallise and cause damage main reason why building owners it does not hydrate and dehydrate in (Figure 4). have in the past spent millions of the same way as gypsum, but when pounds cleaning them. Gypsum is a salt and if it is washed into a stone and allowed to crystallise within pores the stresses generated can contribute to the eventual breakdown of the stone. This can be accomplished through the loss of individual grains from the surface (granular disintegration) or by contour scaling if the salt accumulates within the stone in a zone that is related possibly to its frequent wetting depth. Ultimately such ‘salt weathering’ tends to produce hollows as salt is retained in areas that are sheltered from rain that would otherwise wash the salt away, and so once a hollow is established it is likely to continue to grow (Figure 3).

Salt weathering is not restricted to repeated solution and re- crystallisation, and salts such as gypsum can absorb moisture directly from the atmosphere if certain combinations of temperature and relative humidity are crossed.

t This causes the crystals to expand a (hydration) and contract again when the environment crosses back h r e over the threshold (dehydration). T Within an urban environment, these thresholds can be crossed

n d e r several times a day and, even though the individual stresses U associated with the expansion and contraction of salt within pores are

t o n e unlikely to fracture the stone, their

S constant repetition can ultimately lead to breakdown through fatigue failure (much like it is eventually possible to snap metal by bending it backwards and forwards many Figure 3. Honeycomb weathering of a limestone in Malta resulting from salt weathering times). that typically creates hollows, allowing salts to concentrate.

Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage 26 March 2009 NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

This is particularly the case on non- they do not necessarily contain decay can be determined by often calcareous stones such as most calcium carbonate, the grains are subtle differences in the chemistry, sandstones that do not react directly often cemented together by iron physical properties (especially with pollutants to form gypsum. minerals. Over time, this iron can porosity) and overall strength As such, it is argued by some that be dissolved and brought towards between individual blocks. gypsum crusts should be removed the surface where it precipitates to as a matter of urgency. This debate create a hard outer layer below a is, of course, in addition to the often gypsum crust, but at the expense of Acknowledgements more heated argument amongst weakening the interior of the stone Support for the background architects and conservators as to by gradually removing the ‘cement’ research for this fact sheet was whether crusts should be removed that held it together. provided by an award from the on aesthetic grounds or whether Engineering and Physical Sciences buildings should retain their surface If aggressive cleaning not only Research Council (EP/D008603/1). ‘patina’ and be allowed to show removes the gypsum crust, but also their age. breaks through the iron-hardened Useful Websites for Background layer it can trigger the rapid, on Urban Stone Decay From a scientific standpoint, ‘catastrophic’ decay of individual Technical High School Aachen: decisions as to whether to clean blocks – especially if salts that had http://www.stone.rwth-aachen.de/ and, if so, by what method are previously been washed into the wgn_strt.htm best left to individual buildings, stone are progressively ‘activated’ stone types and environmental by wetting and drying as the Queen’s University Weathering conditions. For example, black block is worn back. This is the Research Group: http://www. crusts on a stone such as Portland reason why, on many of our older qub.ac.uk/schools/gap/Research/ limestone that is used in many sandstone buildings, it is possible to EnvironmentalChangeEC/ prestigious buildings (for example see numerous gaps where individual Geomaterials/Weathering/ Belfast City Hall and the Parliament blocks have disappeared. It is also Building at Stormont) do not appear why many conserved sandstone Masonry Research Group at Robert to have much of an impact on the buildings have a ‘patchwork’ Gordon University Aberdeen: http:// underlying stone and are relatively appearance where blocks that have www2.rgu.ac.uk/Schools/mcrg/ easy to remove – preferably by started to decay catastrophically mcrghome.htm washing them off slowly using a fine have had to be replaced. This mist. In contrast, the removal of pattern of decay does, however, Getty Conservation Centre: www. crusts from many sandstones can provide a very important insight into getty.edu/conservation/publications/ expose a layer of weakened stone building stone decay. Even though pdf_publications/stoneconservation. underneath that can be lost either atmospheric pollution may create pdf during cleaning or soon afterwards the right conditions for decay, the by salt weathering. In the case of actual pattern of decay is dictated The Natural Stone Database for sandstones the situation can be by the type of stone, and within a Northern Ireland: http://www. complicated because, although single stone type, the precise rate of stonedatabase.com/ S e n o t U r e d n T e r h a t

Figure 4. Black gypsum crust on Scrabo sandstone, Belfast. Removal of the crust results in rapid loss of the weakened sandstone underneath.

March 2009 27 Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

The Impacts of Changing Pollution and Climatic Regimes on Stone Buildings Bernard Smith, Queen’s University Belfast

Figure 1. Scrabo sandstone on the Crescent Arts Centre Belfast showing a very variable response to atmospheric pollution, with some block showing only surface crust formation and others beginning to retreat catastrophically.

As with so much in life, the difficulty damage. Buildings in ‘clean’ rural range of colours for which the stone with trying to manage our stone- areas that are constructed of was initially prized and also made built heritage for future generations Scrabo sandstone have survived it variably susceptible to decay. is that as soon as you think you for sometimes hundreds of years Thus, in many Scrabo buildings have solved one problem, another with no appreciable decay, but it is common to find different one raises its head! More than when exposed to high levels of blocks decaying at different rates that, the new problems could very salt in polluted urban and/or and exhibiting different patterns well be linked to the unforeseen coastal environments it is a stone of decay (Figure 1). However, consequences of the original, well- that can decay very rapidly. The whilst the peculiarities of stone meaning intervention. detailed response can, however, type might dictate the details of be complicated because, after the decay, the single factor that set Historic Patterns of Air stone was formed the strata were Belfast apart from other cities in Pollution: The Case of Belfast cut through by volcanic rocks that the late twentieth century was For much of the 1980s and 1990s locally baked the sandstone to the persistence of high levels of t

a Belfast was an ideal natural varying degrees. This produced the atmospheric pollution. So much laboratory for the study of the so, that along with and

h r e effects of atmospheric pollution on Londonderry, Belfast had to be buildings. One reason was that it excused from compliance with EU T has a wealth of stone buildings, regulations on air quality related to many of which were constructed sulphur dioxide. A situation that n d e r over a short time span, related was compounded by similarly high

U to the late nineteenth century levels of atmospheric particulates. expansion of the city. In addition, many of them are constructed Origins and Implications of t o n e of the same stone type, Scrabo Belfast’s Pollution Problem S sandstone from , that The reason for Belfast’s inability not only allows for comparison to meet pollution targets was between buildings but which has Figure 2. View over Belfast showing a part political, part social and part also proven to be a very sensitive typical winter temperature inversion environmental. First, clean air trapping pollution over the City. indicator of pollution-related legislation came late to Belfast,

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1964 as compared to 1956 for (normally associated with high sheltered from rainfall developed England, and it took many years pressure or anticyclonic conditions complete crusts of gypsum (calcium for it to be rolled out across the that can persist for several days) sulphate) from the reaction between city. Second, enforcement of the cold, dense air drains into the sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere legislation depended on identifying valley and creates a ‘temperature and the moist stone (calcium those who were burning high inversion’ that prevents air for rising carbonate). Similar tablets exposed sulphur fuels. A strategy that was and therefore traps pollutants below to rainwash at the same locations unlikely ever to be effective given it (Figure 2). The consequence of showed no gypsum formation, the social unrest at the time and this was frequent periods during but did show that the calcium the failure of which resulted in winter when air quality fell below carbonate crystals that make up problems of atmospheric pollution EU standards. This failure to comply the stone had been noticeably centred mainly on the inefficient, with prevailing standards was, etched by acid rain. This shows widespread domestic burning of coal however, symptomatic of a much that damage to stone resulting and oil. This resulted in turn in high longer period throughout the late from exposure to pollutants can sulphur and particulate emissions nineteenth and twentieth centuries occur very rapidly, and that by that were difficult to pinpoint and when air quality over Belfast must changing characteristics that can control compared to point sources, have been even worse and during in turn influence factors such as such as power plants. Compliance which the stone-built heritage of surface porosity and permeability, was also made difficult by the the city was under sustained attack, these changes could have long-term nature of EU legislation, which especially from acid deposition. An consequences for the performance did not refer to average levels of indication of the persistence of this and durability of the stone. At the pollutants, but set maximum levels problem was provided in the early time, it also suggested that a lot that could only be exceeded on a 1990s when a research project at of the cleaning of buildings that very limited number of days before Queen’s University placed small was under way (mostly to ‘brighten air quality standards were breached. stone tablets at locations across up’ the city, rather than for sound Compliance with this type of Belfast. Microscopic examination conservation reasons) was likely to standard was very difficult for of these tablets showed that after be very short-lived – which might Belfast because of its location within as little as one year of exposure in explain why prestigious buildings a steep-sided valley. This is because the docks area of the city, tablets such as the City Hall have had to under clear winter conditions of Portland limestone that were be cleaned at regular intervals. S e n o t U r e d n T e r h a t

Figure 3. Belfast Metropolitan College (Portland limestone) showing soiling from the bottom up in response to vehicular pollution, seven years after it was last cleaned.

March 2009 29 Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

Figure 4. Multiple development of black gypsum crusts on a Cotswold limestone in the City of Oxford. Such rapid ‘scabbing’ of newly weathered surfaces could explain the long-term survival of this stone.

The advantage of these elevated This produced almost immediate and arguably a shift in emphasis levels of pollution, at least from the and very effective results in terms away from problems associated with researchers viewpoint, was that it of reducing atmospheric sulphur, coal, towards a rising awareness gave an extremely useful insight together with a 70% reduction in of vehicle pollution — especially into the conditions that must have black smoke levels and marked related to diesel emissions. Thus, prevailed in other cities, such as reductions in respiratory and just when owners thought that it London, prior to the introduction of cardiovascular death rates, which was safe to clean their buildings clean air legislation and provided were considered to be linked to without the risk of them rapidly the opportunity to study and the reduction in particulates. re-soiling, along came another understand under controlled Learning from this example, pollution source. This time, conditions the nature of the similar restrictions were eventually however, instead of buildings soiling mechanisms responsible for stone introduced in Northern Ireland effectively from the top down in decay. Fortunately, for those who through a 1998 regulation that response to dispersed pollution, live in Belfast, but perhaps not so banned the delivery and sale of any many buildings now appear to much for the city’s buildings, this all solid fuel having a total sulphur be soiling from the bottom up in changed in the late 1990s. content greater than 2 per cent. response to ground level sources Again, this produced a rapid and (Figure 3). Soiling is also much Changing Patterns of marked improvement in the general more likely to take the form of Atmospheric Pollution and air quality of cities such as Belfast, an oil-based residue than the their Consequences although not overcoming completely traditional gypsum crust that t a The main strategy to control the pollution-concentrating powers formed when the atmosphere was domestic air pollution has of winter temperature inversions. rich in sulphur. h r e traditionally been to pursue those

T who burned high sulphur fuels At the same time that legislation The Effects of Reducing that also invariably produce large was being introduced to combat, Atmospheric Sulphur and quantities of smoke (particulates). in particular, the domestic burning Particulates n d e r Belfast is not the only city where of bituminous coal, other changes Almost by accident, soon after

U such an approach failed to solve were also under way in Northern the introduction of restrictions on pollution problems and, for Ireland. Not least of these was the sale of high-sulphur fuels in example, Dublin continued to be the roll out of natural gas provision Belfast an opportunity arose to t o n e

S plagued by serious smogs up until across the region, and it is difficult study the effects of the legislation the 1980s. In response to this the to estimate how much this also on buildings. This came about Irish government decided to adopt contributed to an improvement in when the exposure trials described an alternative strategy when, in air quality. In contrast, increased in the previous article in this fact 1990, they banned the sale of high prosperity and economic activity sheet were repeated and samples sulphur coal in the Dublin area. has also seen a rise in road traffic of building stone, including a range

Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage 30 March 2009 NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET of different quartz sandstones, the stone over many hundreds of based on the repeated near-surface were placed at the same locations years. Clearly, one way in which wetting and drying of stonework. within the city. The original aim crust development is inhibited is to Conclusions was to study the growth of gypsum remove sulphur and dust from the The lessons to be learned from crusts and it came as something atmosphere. studying stone decay in cities such of a surprise when, after only a as Belfast are to some extent few months of exposure it was not Possible Impacts of Predicted very simple and centre around one sheltered samples that went black, Climate Change word – uncertainty. What is clear but those that were exposed to In the case of Northern Ireland is that future patterns of building rainwash that went green! Closer most climate change models stone soiling and decay are likely to examination showed that this was suggest that the most significant be complex and in some respects due mainly to the growth of a film changes that could take place unpredictable. We can learn of algae across the surfaces of stone over the coming century are not lessons from past interventions, blocks. Since then it has become linked directly to the proposed and to an extent future patterns apparent that this ‘greening’ of rise in average temperature, but of decay will continue to be sandstones is now a widespread to potentially major changes in influenced by legacies from previous phenomenon across the city. rainfall patterns. Although this environmental conditions through, Particularly on sloping surfaces seems difficult to credit, there is for example, deeply embedded salts over which rain can wash, but widespread agreement that winter and other pollutants. But it seems increasingly across whole façades. rainfall in the northeast of Ireland clear that we are also entering As well as producing a pattern of could increase by up to 20% and new climatic and pollution regimes soiling that is almost the inverse that, although summers should on that are likely to trigger novel and of that produced by black crusts average become dryer and warmer, as yet unresearched processes of that favoured sheltered areas, the wet winters are due to get both decay. For example, relatively little exposure trials of the late 1990s longer and milder. If this is the case is known about the physical and also showed that the growth of it is possible to envisage that the chemical consequences of biological algae significantly reduced the process of greening on buildings colonisation on stonework compared surface permeability of the stones. could become even more pervasive. to our knowledge of processes Because of this it is likely that, Included in this prediction are a such as salt weathering. This in whilst not preventing water from number of feedbacks, in that up turn means that we will have to soaking in, algal films could inhibit until now high levels of sulphur contemplate new conservation the rate at which moisture dries out, might have inhibited the growth strategies that must first be tested keeping stone wetter for longer and of algae and other organisms, and for their effectiveness and long-term allowing water and any dissolved that locally at least the nitrogen impact and for which new guidelines salts to penetrate deeper into a oxides produced by vehicles could must be developed. For those building. act as a fertiliser for algal growth. who fund and specify conservation In areas affected by vehicle treatment, it also highlights the Any reduction of the ability of black pollution it is also possible that danger of assuming that strategies crusts to form might also have soiling could now become more that worked in the past will continue other unforeseen consequences. varied, and work in London has to be appropriate. Because of this, For example, recent studies already identified complex bio- ‘conservation by formula’ is no of crust formation in Oxford mineralogic crusts that can lead longer acceptable when individual (which previously burnt a lot of to the yellowing rather than the buildings and building materials coal) and Budapest (which still blackening of buildings. The crusts may act in very different ways experiences high levels of sulphur may, however appear blacker in and require individually designed and particulate pollution), have summer as organisms dry out, conservation strategies. shown that when relatively weak before rejuvenating with the onset limestones scale and lose their of winter and so buildings could Acknowledgements black crusts under pollution-rich begin to experience seasonal colour Support for the background conditions, new crusts can rapidly changes. There is also anecdotal research for this fact sheet was form and seal the surface – in evidence that cleaning buildings can provided by an award from the much the same way that a grazed accelerate colonisation, possibly Engineering and Physical Sciences knee will scab over. One of the though opening out the texture of Research Council (EP/D008603/1). S key components of this process the stone and providing a multitude Useful Websites for Background e n o t appears to be the rapid deposition of microenvironments for algae to on Urban Stone Decay of a surface layer of dust that can colonise, whilst at the same time be transformed and/or incorporated removing sulphur compounds. Technical High School Aachen: http://www. U stone.rwth-aachen.de/wgn_strt.htm into the new crust. In this way, Because of this we could see r e d n stone that might otherwise have an increased use of biocides in Queen’s University Weathering Research decayed in a matter of years has conjunction with cleaning, although Group: http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/

gap/Research/EnvironmentalChangeEC/ T in some cases survived below a these tend to have a finite active Geomaterials/Weathering/ succession of gypsum crusts for life and are difficult to apply e r h centuries (Figure 4). Furthermore, evenly. Any promotion of deep Masonry research group at Robert Gordon

University Aberdeen: http://www2.rgu.ac.uk/ a ongoing research is beginning to wetness may also require the t Schools/mcrg/mcrghome.htm suggest that if the newly exposed construction industry to examine surfaces are no longer able to ‘scab new specifications for masonry Getty Conservation Centre: www.getty.edu/ over’ they can begin to retreat very as well as prompting scientists to conservation/publications/pdf_publications/ stoneconservation.pdf rapidly, especially if salt has been review their models of, for example, allowed to accumulate deep within salt weathering that were previously The Natural Stone Database for Northern Ireland: http://www.stonedatabase.com/

March 2009 31 Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

Recommendations

Northern Ireland Environment Link

• The value of the built heritage should be recognised in policies, funding and practices throughout Northern Ireland.

• Renovation of existing buildings, especially listed and vernacular, should be promoted as a viable and valuable means of stimulating local areas and supporting economies.

• All policies, guidance and state support systems need to be aligned to promote and encourage renovation.

• Vernacular buildings can be successfully renovated to provide modern, efficient homes, but this requires further support for owners to save derelict buildings, rather than build anew.

• Owners of listed or vernacular buildings should be encouraged and facilitated to protect and maintain their buildings, but where this is not done compulsory acquisition should be used to protect the heritage.

• Whole life costings (including embodied energy) need to be considered when deciding whether to renovate or rebuild a property.

• The VAT system should be revised to remove the bias against renovation.

• Creative solutions (for example, cross-sectoral partnerships, innovative uses and targeted incentives) should be developed to bring the buildings on the ‘At Risk’ register (BHARNI) back into use.

• PPS21 should be revised to ensure that renovation is presumed over replacement, especially for vernacular buildings.

• Architects, contractors and consultants should be provided with the skills and guidance necessary to conserve historic structures.

• Traditional building skills should be encouraged and fostered to ensure a new generation of skilled craftspeople.

• Historic buildings should be monitored to determine and minimise the threats to them, including those from climate change.

Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage 32 March 2009 Northern Ireland Environment Link

Northern Ireland Environment Link is the forum and networking body for organisations interested in the environment of Northern Ireland. It assists members to develop views on issues affecting the environment and to influence policy and practice impacting on the natural and built environment of Northern Ireland.

Full Members

Monkstown Community Forum Internation Tree Foundation Northern Ireland Greencastle Area Residents Group

Northern Ireland Cycling Initiative

Ulster Archeological Society

Ulster Society for the Protection of the Countryside A Future for Northern Ireland’s Built Heritage

Produced by

Northern Ireland Environment Link is the forum and Northern Ireland Environment Link networking body for organisations interested in the environment 89 Loopland Drive of Northern Ireland. It assists members to develop views on Belfast issues affecting the environment and to influence policy and BT6 9DW practice impacting on the natural and built environment of Tel: 028 9045 5770 Northern Ireland. Email: [email protected] Website: www.nienvironmentlink.org This report is a compilation of articles representing the views of the authors and the opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of NIEL or any of its members organisations.

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