Retrofitting a home is one of the most effective ways to improve comfort, reduce energy use, and extend the life of a building. But the way a retrofit is designed makes all the difference. At Group Emmett Design Architects, we promote breathable retrofit strategies that respect the building’s natural moisture balance and support the wellbeing of those who live within it.
A breathable, or vapour-open, retrofit allows moisture to move naturally through the building fabric. Instead of trapping moisture behind impermeable layers, breathable construction uses carefully selected natural materials that absorb and release humidity as the building “breathes.”
Examples of this approach include:
Natural, hygroscopic insulation such as wood fibre or hemp, used with vapour-permeable membranes and lime-based finishes.
Moisture-open wall build-ups for solid masonry, combining insulation with lime or clay plasters that promote healthy drying cycles.
Breathable floor systems where suspended timber floors are upgraded using vapour-permeable layers and natural insulation, maintaining airflow and preventing decay.
These systems are now widely endorsed by building science specialists and conservation bodies. The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), for instance, advises that older walls and traditional construction rely on a delicate equilibrium of moisture movement. Introducing impermeable materials can upset this balance, leading to condensation, trapped damp, and fabric decay.
Breathable retrofit solutions don’t just protect the building — they improve how it feels to live in. By allowing materials to buffer humidity, homes remain naturally balanced, reducing the risk of mould growth and stale air. This creates healthier indoor environments, particularly beneficial for families and those with respiratory sensitivities.
In Devon, where high rainfall and coastal exposure can amplify damp issues, breathable design provides long-term resilience. It helps homes dry out naturally after periods of humidity, making them both more comfortable and more durable.
It’s true that breathable materials such as wood fibre, lime plaster, and specialist vapour-control membranes can appear more costly at the tender stage compared to conventional gypsum or synthetic insulation systems.
However, these initial costs are offset by:
Reduced long-term maintenance — fewer issues with damp, rot, or mould remediation.
Improved fabric longevity — materials that can dry out and self-regulate last significantly longer.
Enhanced occupant wellbeing — a tangible benefit that directly contributes to comfort and air quality.
Sustainability gains — lower embodied carbon and better alignment with whole-life carbon principles.
As architects, we often see tender reviews where “value engineering” substitutes breathable materials for cheaper impermeable options. While tempting on paper, this approach can introduce hidden risks — compromising the very fabric the retrofit was meant to protect. In the long term, breathable systems almost always offer the better value, both for the homeowner and the building.
Our fabric-first, moisture-balanced philosophy is embedded in every project we deliver. We work closely with specialist consultants to assess the existing structure, understand its hygrothermal performance, and develop retrofit strategies tailored to the building’s needs.
From listed cottages to mid-century homes across Devon, our aim is to achieve the right balance between performance, preservation, and practicality — creating homes that are sustainable, durable, and uplifting to live in.
If you’re considering a retrofit project and would like to explore breathable, fabric-first options, we’d be happy to guide you through the design, material selection, and procurement process.
Visit www.groupemmettdesign.co.uk to learn more or get in touch to discuss your project.