Fishmongers Hall In-situ U-values

This research provided an overview of an investigation into the real‑world thermal performance of the external walls at Fishmongers’ Hall, a complex and historically significant listed building in London. The study used non‑intrusive on‑site measurements to better understand how the building fabric actually performs in use, rather than relying on standard assumptions or calculated values. The findings showed that thermal performance varies considerably across the building, reflecting differences in construction, materials and history, and that commonly used default assumptions tend to overstate heat loss in this type of historic structure. Overall, the investigation established a clearer and more reliable understanding of the building’s fabric performance, supporting more informed energy assessment and future decisions while respecting the building’s heritage importance.

To establish the actual, in‑use thermal performance of Fishmongers’ Hall’s external walls through direct on‑site measurement rather than assumed or calculated values.

To provide robust, evidence‑based U‑values to inform energy modelling and reduce reliance on conservative default assumptions typically applied to historic buildings.

To capture the variation in thermal behaviour across different wall types, materials, thicknesses and locations within the building.

To improve the accuracy of heat‑loss and energy‑demand assessments, supporting better‑informed strategic and design decisions.

To show how in-situ U-values can be calculated on historic and complex buildings in order to gain a deeper understanding of how real historic performance.