Flooding is one of the most evident impacts from climate change in the UK. The human desire to live in close proximity to water originated historically as traditional settlements relied on water for food, irrigation and transport. This has caused water to be the organising element of many historic villages, meaning many of these buildings are subsequently at risk from flooding as water levels rise. The urgency to protect and conserve our heritage is important, but how can we do this whilst ensuring their character, charm and significance are retained and maintained for future generations?
ʻthere are degrees of adaptation that are appropriate to survival, depending on the value and vulnerability of the specimen. It is a curious anomaly in this regard that many architectural historians adopt a preservationist stance, in the sense of being closed to change, rather than an evolutionist one, in the sense of seeking strategies for survivalʼ
John Tuomey
The changes and adaptations that historic buildings have endured throughout their existence have become an inherent part of their character and success. Many see historic buildings as a nostalgic relic of the past that should be preserved and not touched; however to do this is to deny them of life, and subsequently their functionality. After all, architecture is to be experienced not purely admired from afar. With the climate emergency, historic dwellings at risk from flooding need to adapt to a new environment to ensure their continued use and inhabitation for many more years to come.
Flood defence and resistance mechanisms can’t always be relied upon therefore it is important to consider implementing ‘flood resilience’ measures to reduce the physical and psychological impacts of flood waters entering the home (and perhaps keep the insurance industry happy too).
Historic stone and brick dwellings should already retain a certain degree of natural flood resilience due to the nature of their construction and materiality; however their resilience can be improved through very simple measures such as:
- fixing hooks and shelves onto walls to allow furniture and belongings to be taken out of harms way
- waxing joinery such as skirting boards, architraves, window and door frames
- using lime based plaster instead of gypsum
- floor finishes to be natural stone/brick with lime mortar, with rugs rather than carpet
- sewage systems to be fitted with non-return valves
- raising electrical sockets to at least 1.5m above floor level
- storing an emergency flood kit
Some measures are not practical since they will prevent the building fabric from breathing:
- using waterproof sealants on external walls
- using water resistant paint/concrete internally
Major strategies can involve extending upper floor spaces to provide increased living space during a flood. Any extension must be carried out with great sensitivity with with a clear visual junction between old and new and carefully considered use of materials.
With the predicted future effects of climate change, it is clear that flood resilience is going to become an essential survival strategy for many historic dwellings at risk from flooding. Not only will they drastically improve the quality of life for their inhabitants but they will also prove financially beneficial (or possibly necessary) with regard to insurance and house value.
More useful information can be found in the publication by Historic England: Flooding and Listed Buildings.
