[Greenbuilding] Insulate Exterior wall?

[Chris Green]

David Moylan wrote:
> I live in a brick row home with the rear exterior brick wall facing
> approximately SSE. It gets sun all day long.  In the course of
> renovations, would it be advisable to insulate this wall?  I know the
> bricks are a decent thermal mass, but probably also a decent thermal
> conductor.
>   
Generally, it will be advisable to insulate the walls.

Some further information might help, though.
Where is the building located? (West Philadelphia?)
How old is it, and are the brick walls load-bearing or are they applied 
outside of a wooden frame structure?
Do you want to keep the heat in, out, or both, depending on the time of 
year?

And, for aesthetic reasons, do you want to maintain the visible natural 
brick appearance?
Are you planning for something like a back yard patio/ court yard/ 
garden space, and or planted arbour/ trellises?

Cheers,

Chris Green.