查看更多>>摘要：We are delighted to bring you the fourth issue from Volume 13 of Journal of Building Survey, Appraisal and Valuation. The articles featured in this issue make for fascinating reading and we hope you enjoy them. We are also delighted to provide advance notice of some of the content already scheduled for Volume 14. Just a selection of the building surveying experts already scheduled to be published in the new volume includes: 1 An alternative view on dampness in buildings Neil Marsden, Neil Marsden Associates.
查看更多>>摘要：Over the last few years, the concept of 'inherent defect' in the context of disrepair and /or terminal dilapidations claims between landlord and tenant has returned to prominence, with increased aware-ness of problems with the design, installation and maintenance of external cladding and the number of buildings constructed out of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) coming to the end of their original design life. This paper explores the established case law in depth, concluding that it remains essentially fit for purpose. The paper also explores the perceptual difficulties caused by the inter-professional debate as to whether the concept of inherent defect really exists. The aim of this paper is to move the debate on by providing a new definition of what consti-tutes an 'inherent defect', thereby providing the surveying professions with a useable and practical definition which satisfies the lawyers' objections to the present generally understood definition. This paper provides the reader with a better under-standing of the true legal parameters of the concept of 'inherent defect'. The paper is intended to be of benefit to surveyors and lawyers of all degrees of experience.
查看更多>>摘要：The risk of unintended consequences arising from the energy retrofit of buildings, especially con-cerning moisture movement through the building fabric, is well recognised. As highlighted by Publicly Available Standards (PAS) 2030 and 2035, this is particularly relevant to build-ings of traditional construction, defined as those 'consisting of solid brick or stone external walls, or pre-1919 timber-framed external walls with any infill'. This paper focuses on this last con-struction typology, presenting ongoing research, funded by Historic England, monitoring the hygrothermal performance of four pairs of mock-up replacement infill panels for timber-framed walls. The chosen materials, informed by current guid-ance, are wattle and daub, expanded cork, wood fibre/wood wool, and hempcrete. Each pair of panels features two finishes: one with a natural hydraulic lime (NHL) 3.5-based render, and the other with a non-hydraulic lime/hemp mix. The panels are installed as the northern facade of a test cell, exposed to Cardiff's climate, with controlled internal conditions during the heating season. Since December 2019, moisture content (%) has been monitored by measuring electrical resistance every 30 minutes in a total of 60 posi-tions. Previously published results from the initial 18 months of monitoring reported no evidence of interstitial condensation, with wetting and drying cycles directly corresponding only to wind-driven rain events. Following four years of monitoring, however, there now appears to be evidence to suggest that interstitial condensation is occurring within both the traditional wattle and daub and the composite wood fibre/wood wool infill panels. Although predicted by simulation and previous trials, this condensation might have previously been obscured by wind-driven rain. Its emergence in both traditional and retrofitted infill mate-rials underscores the complex nature of moisture behaviour in this construction typology. This development is under ongoing review, and the monitoring of case study buildings is planned. The results will eventually inform best practice guidance for the energy retrofit of historic timber-framed buildings in the UK.
查看更多>>摘要：Sun Tzu was an ancient Chinese military strate-gist, general and philosopher thought to be the author of The Art of War. He is believed to have lived c. 544-496 bce. The Art of War contains a series of lessons on how best to prepare to win without, ideally, ever having to fight. The lessons provide some readily transferable (and for these particular purposes light-hearted) tactical reminders for any property professional assisting a client who may otherwise find themselves facing the battle of bi-party litigation. If a possible source of dispute can be headed off at the pass, or a settlement can be reached without darkening the door of the courtroom, that is a good win for all concerned. This paper is adapted from Janet and Adam's original 'Art of War' lecture delivered at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Dilapidations Conference in London on 26th March. 2024.
查看更多>>摘要：This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the regulatory overhaul following the Grenfell Tower fire, which exposed critical flaws in the UK's building safety framework. The paper introduces the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) and its associated legislation, detailing their transforma-tive impact on building safety management in England. Aimed at building surveyors, structural engineer, and related professionals, this paper demystifies the complex regulatory environment and outlines the pivotal roles of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and new dutyholder provisions. The paper explores the key changes introduced by the BSA, including the defini-tion of higher-risk buildings, the establishment of gateway processes, and the introduction of the "golden thread" for maintaining a digital record of safety-critical information throughout a build-ing's life cycle. It provides practical insights into compliance requirements, enforcement powers, and the expanded responsibilities of clients, designers and contractors. Readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the new regulatory framework, including the roles of the accountable person (AP) and principal accountable person (PAP) in man-aging safety during building occupation. The paper also highlights reforms to the building control pro-fession, such as the creation of Registered Building Inspectors (RBIs) and Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs). Professionals will be equipped with the knowledge to navigate the BSA's provisions effectively, ensuring compliance, contributing to safer buildings, and supporting a cultural shift prioritising safety and accountability in the built environment.
查看更多>>摘要：This paper explores the challenges and solu-tions involved in restoring a historic landmark while integrating modern thermal efficiency and moisture management techniques. It addresses Bodmin Jail's architectural heritage and the complexities inherent in conserving its struc-ture, including managing moisture within thick masonry walls and selecting materials compat-ible with the building's historic fabric. The paper emphasises the importance of traditional lime mortars and insulation renders, designed to balance thermal performance and moisture control in an exposed environment. The reader will gain insights into conservation strategies that combine traditional and innovative methods, particularly for historic buildings subject to harsh environmental conditions. The paper offers practical knowledge on selecting compat-ible materials, understanding moisture dynamics within masonry and applying insulating renders in a conservation context. Additionally, readers can expect to learn about the analytical pro-cesses used to develop mortars and renders that meet both aesthetic and performance require-ments, reinforcing the principles of sympathetic restoration.
查看更多>>摘要：This paper examines the unique challenges faced by owners of listed and historic buildings, and their professional advisers, in making these properties suitable for modern living while ensuring their long-term preservation amid the climate emergency. The challenges are significant, as the fabric and design of these buildings often make it extremely difficult to upgrade to modern standards. Consequently, maintaining these properties - keeping them in good repair, watertight and fit for comfortable living - must be balanced with the constraints of period features and listing restrictions. Looking ahead, the paper addresses strategies for preserving embodied carbon and explores modern passive and active solutions to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. These interventions must be executed with exceptional sensitivity to avoid compromising the property's historic fabric and character, both externally and internally. Passive and active solutions, or a combination of both, are examined, with the ideal design stages for their application highlighted. Passive solutions focus on repair, upgrading and remedial measures such as tackling water ingress, draughts, ventilation and insulation. Active solutions such as heat pumps, solar photovoltaics and biomass require the deploy-ment of new materials and technology and, while these will increase a property's embodied carbon, make a significant difference in securing a prop-erty's future integrity and enhancing its energy efficiency. While the constraints of listed status will limit what can be done, the paper outlines a range of options allowing workable solutions to be found in the majority of cases.
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