Retrofit: Awnings and Canopies
Historic Buildings (particularly late Georgian houses and Victorian houses) often featured external awnings or blinds. Whilst it is rare to see these features still retained in the UK, when they are present it is usually recommended that these features are retained. Today, it is still possible to observe the material remains of fixtures such as original canopy hoods and even the awning cleats (which were used to secure and adapt the awnings) still in situ. If you have a historic building it is well worth investigating your property and identifying the presence of these features.
Image: Shutters and canopies, a typical sight in the City of Paris. Credit: E. Govier 2024.
Why are awnings useful and how do they work?
Glazed windows admit external heat gains which can cause overheating in historic buildings and mitigation measures should focus on the role it plays (Historic England). Traditionally, awnings (along with canopies and shutters) have been utilised to block direct sunlight from the internal spaces of the home to minimise external solar gain.
In addition to blocking solar gain, awnings are good for ventilation and are an alternative to air conditioning as a way to manage air-flow and temperature. Awnings and canopies work in tandem with sliding sash windows (for example), natural ventilation can enter the building through the open window and the awnings offer protection from the solar glare and solar gains of direct sunlight through the glazing on hot sunny days (Pender 2021). Alternatively, the awnings can provide some protection from rain entering the windows through the open window gaps, allowing ventilation to continue to enter through the open window (Pender 2021, 144).
South-facing windows are often celebrated for the natural light they afford inside the home, a co-product of natural light (however) is more solar gains. Of note, sash windows can permit ventilation at different heights and in addition to this feature they are also less likely to be impacted by heavy winds (as casement windows can be), and as this style of window has a flat profile it can be used in conjunction with other features such as awnings (or shutters) which can individually and collectively afford greater control over solar gains and ventilation (Pender and Lemieux 2020, 8).
There are convincing arguments for the use of canopy hoods, awnings, and cleats as a good way to combat the solar gains associated with glass windows (Pender 2021, 144). Awnings are a low-energy (low carbon) alternative to air conditioning when managing air flow and quality in buildings, and a relatively easy way to effectively manage comfort in buildings (Pender 2021, 146).
The Government Property Agency (2020) explains that historically sash windows, shutters, blinds and awnings were historically a passive means that occupants used seasonally to stay comfortable in their house. Today we have become reliant on central heating and air conditioning as a means of adapting the temperature of the home. The Government Property Agency (2020) note that features such as awnings and shutters are likely useful considerations when examining the energy efficiency of buildings or attempting to mitigate the effects of climate change.
There are several reasons why awnings and canopies are of interest to contemporary society in the UK. On one hand, there might be concern for rising temperatures due to climate change and how best to future proof historic buildings and reduce carbon emissions from unnecessary energy use, as well as to better manage the warmer summers. On the other hand, there are immediate financial concerns to contend with as many home-owners are faced with increased energy bills and wish to reduce their energy consumption. Of course, ventilation is not always possible due to security risks of open windows, nonetheless, where appropriate the use of awnings, canopies and shutters can significantly aid the management of air flow and comfort in the building.
Reinstatement of original features
Even when there is convincing evidence of the prior existence of awnings and canopies Listed Building Consent may be required when installing awnings, canopies and shutters on historic buildings. To protect the significance of buildings reinstatement will need to be carefully considered (Pender 2021, 146).
The Institute of Historic Building (2021) like many of the sources consulted in this blog do look positively upon the reinstatement of external blinds and awnings on buildings that have evidence of their prior existence, note 4.8.4 states:
Where there is convincing evidence of their prior existence, reinstatement of external blinds or awnings in a historically correct form should be encouraged for their visual interest, passive solar energy management, and the protection of historic internal finishes.
We at Rhyd Heritage are advocates for the use of awnings, shutters and canopies on historic buildings and a focused study is on our research agenda.
References
Government Property Agency. Nov 2020. Historic Building Annex. A Technical Annex for Historic Buildings. Version 1.0. Available online at <https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6297a7998fa8f503961731f2/The_Historic_Building_Annex_V1.0_._A_Accepted_as_Stage_Complete_3.pdf> accessed 20.5.24
Historic England. ‘Overheating in Historic Buildings’, Retrofit and Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings. Available online at <https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/technical-advice/retrofit-and-energy-efficiency-in-historic-buildings/overheating-historic-buldings/> accessed 24.6.24
IHBC Toolbox Guidance Note. Guidance on Alterations to Listed Buildings. January 2021. Available online at < https://ihbconline.co.uk/toolbox/docs/IHBC Guidance Note on Alterations to Listed Buildings GN2021 1 v010121.pdf> accessed 20.5.24
Pender, R. 2021. 'Awnings and Canopies Learning from the Past', The Building Conservation Directory. Available at < https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/bcd-2021-awnings-and-canopies/> accessed 15.5.24
Pender, R. and Lemieux, D.J. 2020. 'The Road Not Taken: Building Physics, and Returning to First Principles in Sustainable Design'. Atmosphere. 11, 620. 1-22. Available online at <https://www.usablebuildings.co.uk/UsableBuildings/Unprotected/PenderRoadNotTaken.pdf> accessed 24.6.24
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