12 CONTEXT 178 : DECEMBER 2023 requirements. They should recognise alterations undertaken since the property was first built and often assess any new development proposals, including design, and especially the impact on the host building. It is crucial for the heritage specialist to understand ‘significance’, including the uniqueness and fragility of our traditionally built heritage as we approach the biggest challenge of this century: that of climate change and the objectives of achieving a target of net zero for greenhouse-gas emissions by the year 2050. Given that the UK has one of the oldest and least efficient housing stocks in western Europe, such improvements will require alterations to many vernacular heritage assets, whether designated or not. Clusters of rural vernacular buildings contribute significantly to the character of many of our conservation areas. While some of these are listed as buildings or structures of special architectural or historic interest, many are unlisted and vulnerable, and require careful attention. Age and rarity of a building is a consideration in the listing process, and all buildings erected before 1700 that contain a significant proportion of original fabric should be listed. However, vernacular architecture was not as well understood at the time of the early listings as it is now. In addition, many of the later listing surveys would not have included internal or rear inspections, and those located off the beaten track may have been missed. Both the British Standard 7913: Guide to the Conservation of Historic Buildings (2013) and the PAS (Publicly Available Specifications) 2035/2030:2023, which set out specific standard requirements for retrofitting dwellings, are intended to ensure best practice in the management and treatment of historic buildings, whether listed or not. However, this does not ensure that all practitioners have a thorough knowledge and understanding of traditional buildings, or that they can adequately identify their significance. Moreover, heritage statements relating to listed buildings submitted as part of works to or development of or relating to a listed building cannot always be relied on, as they can vary in quality and accuracy, despite all the guidance available⁷. Vernacular buildings vary in type and form, depending on their function. They include dwellings, farm buildings and small industrial buildings. To understand these buildings and define significance, the heritage specialist needs first to gain an understanding of each building type; the geography, social history and geology; and, related to that, the palette of walling and roofing materials used in each region, subregion and area. The study of vernacular architecture has been developed by archaeologists, academics and professional and amateur enthusiasts over the last 70 years. Many accessible regional groups study traditional buildings and have useful archives. There are many resources to aid the understanding and interpretation of vernacular buildings of all types, including scholarly books and excellent guidance from the government agencies⁸, the IHBC and the national amenity societies. The Vernacular Architecture Group has an extensive bibliography.⁹ A handbook with approximate dates and identification tables to assist when looking at vernacular buildings is the authoritative text by the late RW Brunskill, the Illustrated Handbook of Vernacular Architecture. In terms of repair and maintenance as well as retrofit, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings provides an extensive online knowledge base. There are also building masonry databases for England1⁰, Scotland11 and Northern Ireland1², and one in the pipeline for Wales1³. A good knowledge of vernacular buildings will help to ensure that any alterations will be sensitively executed. It will provide the basis for understanding how the structure and materials of a building relate to its environment, to prevent building failures and to ensure that any retrofit proposals for energy saving will be effective. The significance of each vernacular building and its capacity for change are based on many different but interlinked factors. By understanding the UK’s vernacular heritage and the close links to our varied landscape, people begin to value them and care for them ensuring their survival for future generations. Alexandra Fairclough, a conservation officer in Cheshire, studied with RW Brunskill at Manchester University’s school of architecture. She lectures on architectural history, building conservation and heritage law, including vernacular architecture, as a visiting lecturer at Birmingham City University. She is a member of the Vernacular Architecture Group. A Wealden house in East Sussex (Photo: Alexandra Fairclough) ⁷ For example, Historic England (2019) Statements of Heritage Significance: analysing significance in heritage assets, Historic England Advice Note 12 ⁸ Historic England, CADW, Historic Scotland and the Historic Environment Division of the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland ⁹ https://archaeology dataservice.ac.uk/ archives/view/ vagbiblio/ 1⁰ Building Stones of England, Historic England 11 The Building Stone Database for Scotland 1² The Natural Stone Database, Department for Communities, Northern Ireland 1³ Building Stone in Wales projects, Museum Wales
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