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.”

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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: enquiries@heritage.tas.gov.au

WEB: www.heritage.tas.gov.au