Guide to Conversion of Traditional Buildings
This guidance provides a technical insight into the conversion of Scotland’s traditional buildings, balancing building regulation compliance with conservation. It promotes a holistic, risk-based approach to technical compliance in the performance of traditional buildings.
Part 2: Application of the standards: Introduction to Part 2
Part 2 provides guidance on the application of the building standards to the conversion of traditional buildings. It considers those standards most likely to affect the fabric, performance and character of traditional construction and offers practical guidance on achieving compliance in a manner that is proportionate, sensitive and informed by an understanding of the building as a whole.
Traditional buildings often require approaches that differ from those used in new construction. Their materials, methods of construction and long-established patterns of performance mean that solutions should be based on a thorough assessment of the individual building and its significance. The guidance should therefore be applied with regard to the specific circumstances of each project rather than as a prescriptive set of standard solutions.
Architectural illustrations are included in Part 2 to demonstrate typical floor, wall and roof construction arrangements. These illustrations are provided for guidance and explanatory purposes only and must not be relied upon as standard details for inclusion within a building warrant application. Their purpose is to assist in the interpretation of the accompanying technical commentary prepared by the technical authors.
The guidance within Part 2 is intended to support constructive dialogue between practitioners, certifiers and verifiers, helping to achieve compliance with the building regulations while safeguarding the character, significance and long-term performance of traditional buildings. As many standards interact with one another, proposals should always be assessed using a holistic, whole-building approach that considers the impact of interventions on the building as a whole.
This part should be read in conjunction with Part 1, particularly the guidance on building standards procedures, understanding significance, traditional building performance and the principles of the whole-building approach.
Contact
Email: buildingstandards@gov.scot