Improving the energy performance of traditional stone-walled buildings presents both an opportunity and a challenge, particularly in remote, climatically exposed locations such as Cape Clear Island. These buildings represent an important part of the local architectural heritage, but they typically exhibit poor thermal performance due to their solid construction, lack of insulation, and high exposure to wind-driven rain and humidity.
This document aims to provide practical guidance on insulation solutions for traditional stone-walled buildings. It presents both external and internal insulation options, along with key considerations regarding moisture behaviour, material compatibility, and heritage constraints. A structured decision-making framework is also included to help stakeholders select the most appropriate solutions based on building characteristics and project objectives.
Overall, the objective is to support energy performance improvements that are technically sound, durable, and compatible with the unique characteristics of traditional buildings, ensuring a balanced approach between efficiency, resilience, and preservation.