Palmer’s Tower, Exeter College, Oxford
Dating from 1432, Palmer’s Tower is the oldest surviving building at Exeter College. Originally built as part of the college’s medieval entrance, it stands today as an important reminder of the college’s early history and architectural heritage.
We were delighted to be involved in the refurbishment of the offices within Palmer’s Tower, providing technical guidance and support with the development of the breathable retrofit build-up. The project carefully balanced the need to improve thermal performance and occupant comfort while respecting the historic character and significance of this remarkable building.
Project Team
Architects & Photography: Jessop & Cook Architects
As part of the refurbishment works, a breathable internal pitched roof insulation system was installed to improve thermal performance while respecting the historic fabric of the building. The system combined rigid Isolair wood fibre insulation boards beneath the rafters with Pavaflex flexible wood fibre fitted between the rafters, finished internally with a breathable lime plaster.
Prior to installing the wood fibre insulation system, an initial levelling coat of NHL Thermo insulating lime plaster was applied to the internal face of the existing solid masonry wall. This layer helps to even out irregularities within the substrate, providing a suitable surface for adhering the insulation boards to, while maintaining the wall’s vapour permeability.
As well as providing a level background, NHL Thermo offers additional thermal benefits. By helping to keep the existing wall structure warmer and allowing moisture to move through the construction naturally, the levelling coat can also reduce the risk of interstitial condensation forming within the wall build-up.
The internal walls were insulated using PAVATEX Isolair wood fibre insulation boards, finished with a breathable RK70 lime plaster. Installed to the inside of the existing walls, the system helps improve comfort and reduce heat loss while allowing moisture to move naturally through the building fabric. This breathable approach helps to reduce the risk of condensation and is particularly well suited to older and historic buildings. The lime plaster finish provides a durable surface that complements the character of the building while improving energy efficiency.
Within the bathroom, a breathable cork insulation system was used to improve thermal performance while providing excellent resistance to moisture. Cork is naturally resistant to damp and decay, making it particularly well suited to areas where humidity levels can be higher.
The system consisted of cork insulation boards fixed to the existing wall using a lime levelling and bonding coat, before being finished with a reinforced lime basecoat and Baumit RK70 lime plaster. This created a durable, breathable wall build-up
Baumit
Fixings
Boards & Insulation
Boards & Insulation
Boards & Insulation
