Rupert

A common feature of old barns is an external lean-to structure added to one or more walls, often retrofitted, but not necessarily insubstantial. Here's a lovely example at the gable end of "The Long Barn" in Ceredigion: Here's a cross-section of a similar structure, this time at the side of the barn with the upper roof overhanging slightly: My question is: would you recommend insulating the entire inner wall floor-to-ceiling, or could you get away with just the dotted areas? I'm trying to preserve as much exposed stonework inside as possible, but without giving myself an insulation / condensation problem. Edit: assume that the lean-to is completely insulated roof and exterior walls.

I'm already technical, with an engineering and computing background, so I'm comfortable with the theory. What I don't have is a practical understanding of even the basics of house construction. Would something like the Housebuilder's Bible be a good place to start?

That's good to know. I'm still in the daydream phase at the moment with nothing tangible to share, but I plan to make the process very open and this seems a great place for doing that.

Hello! I've just started to think about building my dream house and I'm here looking for inspiration and guidance. If fate smiles kindly on me it will be a barn conversion in the heart of the Brecon Beacons national park. I get excited about passivehouse principles and local materials.