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P R A C T I C E N O T E 1 6
I N C L U D I N G M E A S U R E S T O E N H A N C E
E N V I R O N M E N TA L S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
Installing modern services on heritage buildings
Case Study Panels in the paddockA delightful Georgian homestead at Campania in Tasmania’s south-east has
retained its heritage character while modern technology in the form of solar
panels have been installed.
The owner of Campania House, Mrs Paddy Pearl, is keen to do whatever she can to
protect the environment while also protecting the heritage values of her circa 1840
rural home. So when she decided to install solar panels at her historic property, she
contacted Heritage Tasmania for advice about where to locate them.
“I rang Ian Boersma at Heritage Tasmania and let him come out and
help sort out the best location for them,” Mrs Pearl said.
Heritage Tasmania works manager Ian Boersma said that in consultation with
Mrs Pearl and the solar panel contractor they examined three options that were
apparent, and found that locating the bank of panels in a paddock near the house
provided the most satisfactory solution. It allowed for a cost effective installation
and avoided any intrusion on the historic character of Campania House.
It also turned out to be the best option for capturing the sun’s energy.
“The panels are far enough removed from the house not to have
any visual impact, and because they are located in a paddock they
can be oriented to receive the absolute optimum amount
of sunlight,” Mr Boersma said.
“Because Mrs Pearl came to us before committing to a particular
arrangement, we were able to fi nd a solution that had no impact on
the heritage values of her beautiful Georgian farmhouse.
“As a result there was no requirement for Mrs Pearl to make an
application to the Tasmanian Heritage Council.”
Mrs Pearl is passionate about protecting the heritage values of her home while
also doing what she can to help the environment.
“I can install solar panels and fi x the hot water and know that I’m
helping the environment. All Australians should have solar panels.
We have the sun.”
Mrs Pearl is pleased with the results.
“By having these panels I’m saving money and helping
the environment.”
1
The best way to preserve historic heritage places is to ensure their continued use. Installing new services and
technologies in heritage places may increase opportunities for the ongoing use of the place.
This practice note outlines the principles to consider when updating services and facilities in heritage places. It provides
advice on solar panels, wind turbines, water tanks, heating and gas installations, satellite dishes and antennae.
Such updates can be challenging but in many cases it is possible to fi nd a solution with minimal impact on the heritage
values of a place. As the work may affect the signifi cance and values of the place, approval from the Heritage Council
may be necessary. For those installations that do not affect the signifi cance of the place an exclusion from formal works
approval may be possible (see ‘Works Approval Process’, page 8).
In deciding whether to approve the works, the Heritage Council will consider:
• the impact on the place’s heritage values, including whether fi xing new services and technologies will damage the
historic fabric of a place or its character;
• whether there are prudent and feasible alternatives that have less impact on heritage values; and
• the ability to reverse any changes without causing further damage.
A guiding principle is that any work should be
undertaken with the least intrusion or impact on
a place’s heritage value or features. Where possible
changes should be fully reversible. The ability to undo the
changes that are made for new services and equipment
is highly desirable as today’s technology will undoubtedly
be improved in the future.
Other considerations are that:
• the appearance, including scale, form, colours and
refl ectivity of a new element does not detract from
the character of the place;
• the installation (including any metering devices)
should not be visible from the principal vistas of the
place;
• the operation and servicing of equipment, including
vibration, airfl ow and condensation, will not damage
signifi cant fabric;
• mounting devices and associated cabling and wiring
will not damage signifi cant fabric; and
• potential archaeological deposits will not be affected
by trenching for conduits.
Before you commit to doing work on a place seek
advice from one of Heritage Tasmania’s heritage advisors
who will be able to help you understand the place’s
important features and its heritage values. With a good
understanding of the place’s heritage values you can:
• avoid work that impacts on those aspects that
contribute to the place’s signifi cance;
• consider your objectives and the approach best suited
to achieve that objective;
• explore whether different options exist that will
deliver similar results with less impact on the place’s
heritage values; and
• consider ways in which the work can be made
reversible.
Introduction
Guiding principles
2
The following principles apply to solar water heating
systems, photovoltaic collectors, evacuated tube
solar collectors and wind turbines regardless of their
form and size.
If considering installing energy generating devices such
as solar panels or wind turbines, be aware that the range
of technology available in Tasmania is limited compared
with that available interstate and overseas. Those
options available today will undoubtedly be improved
upon in the future, providing better gains both in terms
of environmental effi ciencies and reducing impact on a
building’s character, aesthetics and values.
Both solar collectors and wind turbines have a maximum
lifespan of less than 20 years. As a place may have
several installations over its lifetime, it is important that
installations can be removed and replaced with minimal
damage to building fabric.
P L A C E M E N T
The guiding principles relating to placement apply.
There are, however, additional considerations for solar
collectors and wind turbines. A heritage advisor can assist
in suggesting appropriate placement. Your contractor
may also assist.
Solar: Placement may pose a problem for those properties
with north facing main elevations. Collectors can still be
effective on east and west faces, but the annual yield
would be lower unless additional collectors are installed.
The use of additional collectors may, however, have an
increased impact on the place’s heritage values. The
cost may also outweight the benefi ts. Other options are
available including free-standing collectors, or placement
on structures of lesser heritage signifi cance, for example
garages, carports or pergolas (see ‘Free standing options’,
page 4).
The impact on heritage signifi cance may be greater
where:
• the collector is mounted on a stand at angle to the
roof plane; or
• in the case of solar hot water systems, roof top
storage tanks are installed.
Where possible, the mounting of collectors on stands
should be avoided unless the installation is very discreetly
located. For solar hot water systems, the tank should be
installed inside the roof space or some other location
within near proximity of the solar collector. Apart from
concealing the tank from view, this arrangement may
have the added benefi t of reducing heat loss.
Wind: The scale and form of wind turbines will change the
aesthetics and character of a place and may also impact
on neighbouring properties and streetscape vistas.
Whether attached to buildings or alongside a building,
turbines require an elevated and open situation and are
therefore highly visible. The contemporary aesthetic of
turbine technology is in many instances unsympathetic
to the character of heritage places. Noise produced by a
turbine may also detract from the qualities of a heritage
place. Placement should be carefully considered to avoid
creating an unacceptable impact.
Where an historic feature (such as a hilltop monument,
a church spire or a plantation belonging to a designed
landscape) is the most visually dominant feature in the
surrounding landscape, constructing turbines adjacent
to the site may be inappropriate.
Despite advances in technologies and the ability to
purchase small-scale turbines for commercial or domestic
places, careful consideration must be given as to whether
the scale of the turbine and its placement will have a
negative impact of the heritage values of the property.
More suitable options may be available.
Avoid fi tting turbines to chimneys or other structures
that are not constructed to take this type of structural
loading.
It is advisable to contact your local planning authority
before purchasing and installing turbines as there may
be conditions with respect to visibility, location from
boundaries, noise and shadow or refl ection impact on
neighbouring properties.
Solar and wind energy devices
I N S TA L L AT I O N
Ensure that the weight of new equipment can be borne
by the supporting structure (eg roof rafters). The supplier
or installer will have information on the weight of the
equipment.
To minimise damage over the long term, use the
minimum number of fi xing holes. As both turbines and
solar collectors have a fi nite lifespan, minimising fi xture
points will assist with future removal and replacement.
Also limit the number of holes made into the loft space
for pipework and cabling. Ensure any entry points are
properly sealed to prevent water ingress, maintain fi re
protection and keep pests out.
Installation may cause permanent damage to roofi ng
material. Care should be taken with slate or old tiles
as replacements can be expensive and diffi cult to fi nd.
Ensure replacements are available should any slates or
tiles get broken during installation. In some situations,
it may be prudent to remove the existing slate or tiles
from the area that will be covered by panels laying new
sheet metal cladding. The removed slate can be saved
for future reinstatement or repair.
Meters should be positioned such that they are not
immediately obvious from the street. In most cases, the
appearance of meters is improved by housing in a box
that is painted to match the surrounding wall colour.
Consider locating the meter box on a side wall or recessing
it into the thickness of the wall.
M A I N T E N A N C E
When maintenance is carried out there is the potential
for foot traffi c to damage any fragile roof cladding.
Discuss with the installer how often equipment will need
routine maintenance and how it would be accessed.
More information can be found at English Heritage’s site,
www.helm.org.uk, by searching for ‘wind’ or ‘solar’.
Placement may pose a problem for those properties with north
facing main elevations as it may have an adverse impact on a
place’s values. Placement on the side or rear elevations reduces
the impact (photo 1). Placement to the rear, particularly for
solar water systems (photo 2) or mounted solar systems (photo
3), reduces the impact further.
3
1
2
3
4
F R E E - S TA N D I N G O P T I O N S
If it is not acceptable or physically possible to fi x solar
collectors or wind turbines to the roof, an alternative
is to position them elsewhere. Free-standing devices
provide an excellent opportunity to have access to solar
and wind energy without impacting on the heritage
values of your property.
Solar collectors can be positioned
on another building of lesser
heritage signifi cance or mounted
on the ground. A wind turbine can
be mounted away from a building
on a pole or other structure.
This option may require
additional cabling and, if the
cabling is underground, the cost
of trenching. The cable size is
determined by the load it must
carry as well as its length. The
further from the building, the
larger (and more expensive) the
required cable. In cases where
working on a steep or high roof requires specialist
equipment, the free-standing option may result in cost
savings both at the time of installation and later when
the equipment is serviced.
If excavating trenches for cables, it is important to consider
the possibility of buried material of archaeological value
on the site. Check with a heritage advisor as to whether
there is the potential for archaeological remains to
be uncovered on your property as the disturbance of
signifi cant archaeological deposits requires Heritage
Council approval.
Where archaeology prevents a cable being buried at a
reasonable depth, an alternative route should be found.
Options include the use of strengthened conduit in a
shallow trench or overhead cabling.
The access point of the cable into the building should
be properly sealed to prevent water ingress and to keep
out pests.
If associated equipment for remote collectors is to be
fi xed to building walls, consider whether the location
will impact on the heritage values of the place. Use non-
corrosive fi xtures and limit the number of fi xing points.
Avoid fi xing into the face of stonework or bricks. Fixing
into mortar joints is preferable.
In this case, it was considered that placement of solar panels
on any of the house’s faces would have an adverse impact
on the place’s values. The view of the rear of this early
homestead has not been affected and the solar collectors
can be screened by plantings.
Case Study Solar panel solution for exquisite parish churchEnvironmental and heritage values have been combined at the
exquisite All Saints Church in South Hobart with the installation
of solar panels on the church hall creating a complementary and
sustainable outcome.
David Irvine from the Parochial Church Council of All Saints Church
said that the opportunity to install solar panels fi rst presented itself
through the Australian Government Pholtovoltaic Rebates Program
which is now replaced by the Solar Homes and Communities Plan.
“This project started when we looked at the Federal
Grant for renewable energy and we decided we
wanted to show a lead by utilising what God has
given us for free,” Mr Irvine said.
The project was more complex than it fi rst appeared, but with the right advice
from Heritage Tasmania and other experts, and tenacity from the parishioners at
All Saints, all challenges were met.
One thing led to another and it became apparent that a range of works should
be done in one go to improve the amenity and visual impact of the church and
associated buildings.
“We had unsightly power lines through the church grounds which are
now underground and we discovered we could connect to one meter
rather than three and save some money. The wiring needed to be
redone so it all worked out.
“When we looked at the roof of the church hall we decided it was
better and cheaper to replace the roof, insulate it as well as install
solar panels at the same time.”
Now the solar panels help power the electrical needs of the church and the hall.
The results have been a great success with the panels saving the church funds
approximately $450 in the fi rst nine months as well as saving the environment
921kg in carbon dioxide emissions.
Heritage Tasmania advisor Danielle Pacaud said that All Saints Church is
undoubtedly one of the most intact and exquisite parish churches in Tasmania.
“The challenge for putting solar panels at All Saints Church was
how to take an intricate historic piece of architecture and introduce
the latest technology without detracting from the church’s heritage
values,” Ms Pacaud said.
The solution involved positioning the panels on the rear facing sections of the
church hall roof rather than the Henry Hunter designed church, where they did
not detract from the character of the church building.
“All Saints have successfully achieved an initiative to address climate
change in a manner which is sensitive to the heritage values of the
historic church building,” Ms Pacaud said.
5
Water tanksMany heritage places were originally equipped for water storage. This
may provide an appropriate model for introducing new water tanks,
especially where historical documents show the location of the original
tanks. Traditionally, tanks were placed towards the rear of the house to
reduce the visual impact.
Locating a water tank either to the side or rear of the building will in most
cases be a suitable solution for heritage places. Bladder and underground
systems may be another option.
Locating the tank in a position where it will be visible from the front
boundary is generally not considered sympathetic, depending on the
material and size.
For rural and regional properties, the use of tanks may be considered a
traditional element and as such provide more opportunities for placement.
However, consideration should be given to the colour and materials of
the tank.
The scale, colour and materials of the tank and its support will affect
appropriateness of placement. Corrugated galvanised iron tanks on
wooden stands located away from the principal elevations are more in
keeping with tradition and will generally have an acceptably low impact.
In the urban setting, location, colour, size and construction of the tank
may impact on the character and heritage value of the place. Plastic and
fi breglass tanks are frequently inappropriate because of their artifi cial
colour and texture, although the visual impact of a plastic tank may be
minimised to an acceptable degree by screening.
Regardless of your choice, you should:
• seek further advice from Heritage Tasmania on your choice of type,
size and location;
• check with your local planning authority as it may limit placement
of tanks; and
• if considering an underground system, seek advice from Heritage
Tasmania as to whether there may be archaeological values on the site.
Water tanks that are made from traditional corrugated galvanized iron
placed to the side or rear of a property are a preferred option (photo 1).
Photo 2 shows an ingenious solution. Nine 1000-litre food-grade
rainwater tanks line one side of the house. Covered by decking, they are
easily accessed by opening a section of the front steps. Bladder and other
underground options (photo 3) provide other solutions.
6
1
2
3
7
Avoid mounting heat pump condensers where
the fan blows directly on to sandstone blocks
or soft brickwork. The placement of units to the
side of the place reduces the adverse impact and
provides an opportunity for screening (photo 1).
In photo 2, rising damp is accentuated around the
condenser (red arrow) because of the increased
evaporation around the fan.
1
2
E X T E R N A L E L E M E N T S
Locating external units at ground level provides easy access for ongoing
maintenance. It also makes it easier to screen the unit from view.
Units may also be located at roof level if it is possible to screen them from signifi cant views. However, they should not
be positioned above shopfront awnings or in windows.
Multiple heat condenser units may result in a visual clutter that detracts from both a place’s value and the streetscape
appeal in general. Proposals for multiple condenser units on a front elevation must demonstrate that there is no prudent
or feasible alternative.
In the case of heat pumps, avoid mounting the external condenser unit next to sandstone blocks or soft (porous)
brickwork. The fan blowing warm air against the wall will increase evaporation from the wall surface which may accelerate
salt damage from rising damp. The wall should be shielded from the airfl ow generated by the condenser unit.
I N T E R N A L E L E M E N T S
Again, care should be given to ensure that placement of the internal element does not detract from signifi cant elements
of the building.
Care should be taken to:
• avoid installing a dropped ceiling to hide equipment where this destroys the proportions of the room or conceals
important historic features;
• position cabling appropriately, dependent on wall construction; and
• place intake grilles in less visible spaces and use unobtrusive grilles for formal or signifi cant spaces.
Heat pumps andair conditionersBefore purchasing and installing heat pumps or air conditioner units it is
suggested that you:
• discuss your plans with a heritage advisor or your contractor who will
assist in providing options and appropriate solutions; and
• contact your local planning authority as there may be conditions with
respect to visibility, location from boundaries and noise impact on
neighbouring properties.
8
Gas and fuel installationsThe main impacts of gas installations tend to be from the visual intrusion of gas meters, gas bottles, and plumbing;
however, the total or partial removal of early heating and cooking equipment can also erode a place’s heritage values.
If installing new services it is recommended that you contact Heritage Tasmania before connecting your place to reticulated
gas, to discuss the suitable placement of meters, bottles and associated pipes.
Key guiding principles include:
• gas meters should be discretely located to avoid visual intrusion;
• gas bottles should be located away from the principal vistas; where servicing access precludes this, shielding by a
vented enclosure of a sympathetic design may be appropriate;
• gas pipes should be run underground where possible; risers should be grouped with rainwater pipes or other features
so as to minimise their visual impact; and wall penetrations should be in concealed locations (eg underground) where
possible;
• concrete pads should not be laid against porous masonry surfaces without regard for the transfer of salts and
prevention of rising damp; and
• any underground piping or the creation of bunds (secondary containments) should not be undertaken without
considering the potential for archaeological values.
In planning for the installation of new fi reboxes, grates or stoves, all available options to conserve the existing grate or
stove should be examined. Early fi re grates and stoves should not be removed without Heritage Council approval.
W O R K S A P P R O V A L P R O C E S S
Under the Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995, a Works Application is required for
any works or development which may impact on the signifi cance of a place on the
Tasmanian Heritage Register.
A Works Application and guidelines can be obtained from your local planning
authority or downloaded from our website.
All Works Applications need to be lodged with your local planning authority alongside
your planning, building or plumbing permit, if required. Please note, that although
some works may not need a planning, building or plumbing permit from a planning
authority, you may still be required to submit a Works Application for the purposes
of the Heritage Act.
Where your proposed works are minor, and won’t affect the signifi cance of the
place, the Heritage Council may provide you with an ‘exclusion’ from the normal
works application process. Please contact Heritage Tasmania to check whether your
works would be excluded. For works that qualify as an exclusion, a certifi cate is
issued to you and the planning authority, confi rming that a Works Application is not
required.
How long does it take to obtain approval? The Heritage Act requires that a
decision on your Works Application is required within 42 days of the date it is
received by the local council.
Are there any penalties for not abiding by the Act? Yes. However the Heritage
Council tries to work proactively with owners to resolve issues through discussion
and mediation, rather than by confl ict, objection and using penalties.
9
Satellite dishes/antennaeWhile the installation of satellite equipment normally does not require formal
planning approval, installation may affect the heritage values of a property
and a works application or exclusion will be required.
P L A C E M E N T
The guiding principles provided on page 1 apply with respect to placement
of satellite dishes and large scale antennae on heritage places.
I N S TA L L AT I O N
When installing satellite dishes or antennae make sure that:
• conduit or cabling does not run along the surface of external walls;
• cabling from the ceiling to the outlet point runs through internal wall
cavities; and
• care is taken not to permanently damage any skirting, architraves or
ornate cornices.
The placement of large antennae and satellite dishes may have an adverse impact
on a place’s heritage values. In some instances (photo 1), placement will always be
problematic if there are wide, open vistas to and from the place. Photo 2 illustrates
placement of an antennae away from the principle building (blue arrow), reducing the
impact on the place’s values. The red arrow points to the placement of small satellite
dish at the rear of the property. The placement of a satellite dish on the front of a
property (photo 3), where other options such as placement at the rear of the property
is possible, should be avoided.
1
2
3
Further informationThere are a number of excellent resources available online providing
further advice:
English Heritage’s site – www.helm.org.uk – has the following
useful publications:
• Small-scale solar thermal energy and traditional buildings
• Energy conservation in traditional buildings
• Micro wind generation and traditional buildings
Historic Scotland – www.historicscotland.gov.uk – has the following
useful publications:
• Energy effi ciency in traditional homes
• Maintaining your home
The Energy Trust UK – www.energysavingtrustuk.org.uk – has the
following useful publications:
• Energy-effi cient refurbishment of existing housing
• Energy-effi cient historic homes – case studies
The USA National Park Service – www.nps.gov – has the following
useful publication:
• Preservation Brief 3: Conserving energy in historic buildings
F O R M O R E T E C H N I C A L A D V I C E A N D P R A C T I C A L S O L U T I O N S
The following sites provide more general advice on energy conservation
including more technical information:
• Sustainable Living Tasmania – www.sustainablelivingtasmania.org.au
– provides a range of useful information on improving energy effi ciency
in the home
• Department of Climate Change – www.climatechange.gov.au –
provides a range of useful information on improving energy effi ciency
at both the domestic and commercial scale. A sister site –
www.yourhome.gov.au – provides additional information including
service and building suppliers
• The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings – www.spab.org.uk
– provides general advice on the maintenance and replacement
of traditional building elements
P H O T O A C K N O W L E D G M E N T S
Stewart Wells, Brod Street, Aussie Bladder, PAHSMA, Heritage Tasmania
For further information contact
TASMANIAN HERITAGE COUNCIL
GPO Box 618, HOBART TAS 7001
103 Macquarie Street,
HOBART TAS 7000
TEL: 1300 850 332 (local call cost)
6233 2037
FAX: 6233 3186
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEB: www.heritage.tas.gov.au