C O N T E X T 1 1 7 : N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 0 3 Landscapes Project was conducted by English Heritage in collaboration with AdvantageWest Midlands and local authorities to promote new uses for historic farmsteads, while respecting the character of the landscape. The study found that more than 80 per cent of historic farmsteads in the West Midlands had retained some or all of their traditional working buildings. Over two thirds of those in existence since 1900 had already been converted to non-agricultural use (the majority for residential use), and five per cent to sole industrial, commercial or retail use (such as workshops, self-catering holiday homes and office rental space). A third remained in agricultural use, with varying degrees of diversification. The study claims that the economic benefits of residential use (which typically can result in the conversion of individual buildings) are often overlooked. One in 12 of the farmsteads in residential use in the region are now the registered office of a limited company. Historic farmsteads are more often used for home-based entrepreneurial business than other dwellings. SPAB scholarships The SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) is looking for four young professionals from the world of architecture and building to award 2011 scholarships. The successful applicants will set off together early in the new year on a journey of architectural discovery. They will visit some of the country’s best built heritage projects to deepen their knowledge of historic buildings and the issues surrounding their conservation. The scholarship is open to young architects, building surveyors or structural engineers who have some post-qualification experience and who can demonstrate their enthusiasm for historic building conservation. The aim is to give outstanding young building professionals first-hand experience of conservation, visiting and working on site and in craft workshops and studios throughout the UK. During the nine-month programme, the scholars travel together as a group, living, learning and working in a range of locations from stately homes to building sites. After spending the first six months together, they take individual paths for the last three months of the scheme, developing their own specific areas of interest in a project related to the English country house. Successful candidates will receive a bursary to cover basic travel and living costs. The closing date for applications is 1 January. Email [email protected] for details. Hoveton’s glass The early 19th century glasshouse at Hoveton Hall, Norfolk, has been restored. The Grade II* listed cast-iron structure, one of the earliest examples of its kind, had been derelict. Archaeological investigations and historic research undertaken as part of the project suggest that the structure was completed in the 1820s, possibly the work of John Adey Repton. Purcell Miller Tritton was the architect for the restoration. Energy House In January the University of Salford will unveil what it calls the world’s first Energy House. The house is a full-size traditional terraced house built in a laboratory to study domestic energy consumption. It is fitted as a typical working home, built in the same style as 4.5 million pre-1920 Former SPAB scholars Meriel O’Dowd, Lucy Stewart and Maya Polenz get to grips with a ventilation shaft on a site visit to theWest Somerset Mineral Railway. The restored early 19th century, cast-iron glasshouse at Hoveton Hall, Norfolk The Energy House: tests will show how its energy consumption changes. homes in the UK, with fully functioning water, gas and electricity supplies. The university’s academics are conducting tests inside the house to gauge how its energy consumption changes depending on variable factors and conditions. Statistics from the Communities and Local Government English House Condition Survey 2007 Annual Report show that 70 per cent of the country’s residential property will still be inhabited in 2050 and 91 per cent of all UK homes would benefit substantially from improvements in energy efficiency. Improved insulation and boiler upgrades alone could see heating emissions reduced by 22 per cent. The country’s least efficient properties were predominantly constructed prior to 1920. These currently make up 15 per cent of UK homes but account for 23 per cent of total notional carbon dioxide emissions. Of these dwellings, more than two million are the two-up, two-down terraces that the university has replicated. Recent research commissioned by Salford has shown that 50 per cent of registered housing providers do not yet have a retrofit plan. This is in spite of the government’s continuing commitment to theWarm Homes, Greener Homes strategy that has set a carbon emissions target of virtually zero from nearly all housing stock by 2050. More details at www. energy.salford.ac.uk. The diverse farm A study of more than 22,000 historic farmsteads in theWest Midlands shows that historic farm buildings are contributing significantly to the 21st century economy and countryside. TheWest Midlands Farmsteads and
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