F
fader.andi20 Nov 2015 15:40Hello,
we are planning to convert a masonry barn. The foundation walls are made of 24cm (10 inches) bricks. Additionally, 11cm (4.5 inches) Poroton blocks will be built on the inside all around, and the ceilings will be installed afterward.
Should we still consider external insulation, or is the wall thickness already sufficient for adequate thermal protection?
Regards,
Andi
we are planning to convert a masonry barn. The foundation walls are made of 24cm (10 inches) bricks. Additionally, 11cm (4.5 inches) Poroton blocks will be built on the inside all around, and the ceilings will be installed afterward.
Should we still consider external insulation, or is the wall thickness already sufficient for adequate thermal protection?
Regards,
Andi
The barn conversion: a popular and complex topic in rural areas.
First, the building and planning law situation must be reviewed to determine whether conversion for residential use is even eligible for approval. If the barn is located in an external area (§ 35 of the Building Code), the conversion may not be approved. Additionally, this is considered a “change of use” which requires a building permit. If the barn is adjacent to a property boundary, fire safety issues are important (fire separation wall) as well as natural lighting for living spaces. Setback distances from neighboring properties may also apply. These points should be clarified through a preliminary building inquiry. Is the barn protected as a historic monument? The barn must also be accessible via a secured access route and, of course, be able to connect to standard utility supply and disposal systems.
The briefly described wall structure most likely does not come close to meeting the insulation requirements of the energy saving regulations. This also includes roof insulation/insulation of the top-floor ceiling and all floor surfaces against ground or above a basement.
I recommend carrying out a building survey together with a planner experienced in old buildings (civil engineer/architect) to determine the current condition and identify any structural or moisture damage. Old agricultural buildings are usually not sufficiently or frost-protected founded; this presents considerable challenges for the structural engineer when adapting the building for new loads. A renovation and conversion plan should then be developed in connection with the entire construction project, taking into account the building and planning law issues. For the preliminary building inquiry and building permit application, you will need to hire a licensed planner.
First, the building and planning law situation must be reviewed to determine whether conversion for residential use is even eligible for approval. If the barn is located in an external area (§ 35 of the Building Code), the conversion may not be approved. Additionally, this is considered a “change of use” which requires a building permit. If the barn is adjacent to a property boundary, fire safety issues are important (fire separation wall) as well as natural lighting for living spaces. Setback distances from neighboring properties may also apply. These points should be clarified through a preliminary building inquiry. Is the barn protected as a historic monument? The barn must also be accessible via a secured access route and, of course, be able to connect to standard utility supply and disposal systems.
The briefly described wall structure most likely does not come close to meeting the insulation requirements of the energy saving regulations. This also includes roof insulation/insulation of the top-floor ceiling and all floor surfaces against ground or above a basement.
I recommend carrying out a building survey together with a planner experienced in old buildings (civil engineer/architect) to determine the current condition and identify any structural or moisture damage. Old agricultural buildings are usually not sufficiently or frost-protected founded; this presents considerable challenges for the structural engineer when adapting the building for new loads. A renovation and conversion plan should then be developed in connection with the entire construction project, taking into account the building and planning law issues. For the preliminary building inquiry and building permit application, you will need to hire a licensed planner.
F
fader.andi23 Nov 2015 12:11Wow... that's a lot of information. Thank you very much already!
The building plan is already set. It was designed a few years ago. If we leave funding programs like KFW aside, wouldn't a wall thickness of 35cm (14 inches) be sufficient for insulation? I’m asking because I’m not a fan of polystyrene panels or making a house completely airtight.
The building plan is already set. It was designed a few years ago. If we leave funding programs like KFW aside, wouldn't a wall thickness of 35cm (14 inches) be sufficient for insulation? I’m asking because I’m not a fan of polystyrene panels or making a house completely airtight.
What has already been mentioned above has nothing to do with the KfW. This is solely about meeting legal requirements:
Your planner/energy consultant can calculate the details for you.
W. Pickartz schrieb:
The briefly described wall construction is very likely not even close to meeting the requirements of the Energy Saving Ordinance for building insulation. This also includes roof insulation/insulation of the top floor ceiling and all floor surfaces against the ground or above a basement.
Your planner/energy consultant can calculate the details for you.
Similar topics