Natural building materials from Ecological Building Systems have played an important part in a major renovation of the historic Skelton Toppin Memorial Hall (John Castlehow Toppin Memorial Hall), in Skelton, near Penrith, Cumbria.

The 101 year old building, was originally envisaged and funded by Fred Toppin,   vice-President of the International Mercantile Marine Company of New York, which controlled the famous White Star Line.  This was to honour his father, who died in 1915, the head of a family which held an honoured place in the public life of the county and in the agricultural life of the district for many generations.  Although upgrades and maintenance to this architecturally designed, purpose built, hall had been made through the years.  The building had never been insulated.   2030 Architects of Penrith, were engaged by the Skelton Toppin Memorial Hall Committee with plans for a complete refurbishment to bring it up to latest insulation standards and ensure local community members and groups using the hall could enjoy an improved level of comfort.

The committee applied for a National Lottery Grant, but the Covid lockdown held the process up, with the consequence that when grants were made available, they were for smaller amounts.  The expected costs doubled and tripled and the bigger contract bidders dropped out.  With the architect’s help a local builder, DMB Building Ltd, Penrith, agreed to break the major refurbishment down into a number of phases of work.  The ultimate aim for this phase was to ensure the main hall was more comfortable and sustainable, whilst making use of renewable energy to lower its carbon footprint.

DMB Building had used Ecological Building Systems’ products before in other sustainable renovations and recommended its Retro EcoWall® internal wall insulation system to bring the building up to modern thermal performance standards.

The hall’s original lime plaster was preserved, where possible, and Ecological Building Systems’ Diasen DiathoniteThermactive,  lime, cork and clay plaster was applied to create a level surface to which Gutex Thermoroom woodfibre insulation boards were added.   A lime-based finishing plaster was then applied over the top, ensuring a breathable and durable finish.

In addition to the Retro EcoWall® system, natural Thermafleece Sheepswool insulation was installed to upgrade the thermal performance of the ceiling.

Robert Towers, Chair of the Skelton Toppin Memorial Hall committee said: “The recent upgrade to the hall has made a huge difference – it is now a comfortable, energy-efficient space that can be used by the whole community.  We’re delighted that we were able to use natural building materials in the hall’s restoration, which were supplied by local company Ecological Building Systems and installed by a local building firm.”

He adds: “Our aim was to become a carbon neutral building, and through the use of these natural building materials and solar PV panels, we have a good chance of achieving this.”

Penny Randell, Director of Ecological Building Systems, explains; “It is very satisfying to supply a historic community building and to bring it up to modern standards through use of natural materials.  Our Retro EcoWall® system was ideal for this project as it provides a sympathetic way to internally insulate solid stone or brick walls, whilst allowing breathability in the walls and the ability to manage humidity.  I’m sure the community will notice the difference with improved comfort and air quality.”

Skelton Toppin Memorial Hall is increasingly, more widely used now, by the local village primary school, local community groups including Toppins, the local church, Young Farmers, the Skelton Area Am Dram, exercise, dance and sports groups include Tai chi, Swingfit, a new Pickleball group; sponsored and private bands, private hires include parties, meetings etc.

Ecological Building Systems, which has its headquarters in Carlisle, Cumbria, is renowned for supplying a variety of natural materials to optimise building performance and durability. Over the last few years, the business has grown significantly through supplying innovative, sustainable building materials, backed up by expert advice and product training.

DMB BUILDING LTD is a Penrith-based building contractor which works all over Cumbria, The Lakes and beyond.   It specialises in new builds, conversions, extensions, and thermal plastering.  For more information visit www.dmbbuildingltd.com

For more details about Ecological Building Systems’ wide range of sustainable building products, email info@ecologicalbuildingsystems.com or visit: www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com

See the Renovation Video here https://www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com/project-gallery/skelton-village-hall-cumbria