Gwynne Anthony 2020

ART506 Dissertation 2019. Anthony Gwynne . 18 SPAB research has found the performance of solid walls after insulation is affected not only by the external and internal climate but also material characteristics (such as vapour permeability), quantity of insulation, location, orientation and condition. It suggests that excessive thicknesses of insulation and non-breathable materials should be avoided. It also found that uninsulated solid walls tend to lose less heat than previously thought and that thinner installations of less high performing, more breathable insulation – where insulating is justified – can achieve successful upgrades. 3.2.0 Traditional construction (before 1919) 3.2.1 Legislation The Great Fire of London in 1666 (Figure 2) shaped legislation and the construction of buildings today. By royal proclamation the rebuilding work could not commence until new regulations were put in place. This resulted in the 1667 Rebuilding Act to eradicate the risks that had made the fire so catastrophic (www.buildingtalk.com) . The new Building Regulations required: • Upper floors of houses were no longer permitted to jut out over the floor below. • Hanging signs were banned. • All houses or buildings, whether great or small, were to be built only in brick or stone – if new houses were built of other materials they would be pulled down, meaning no more building with wood and thatch. • New Fire Prevention Regulations included easy access to water and the beginnings of a fire hydrant system for the city. Figure 2: The Great Fire of London in 1666 Image Removed