This project is all about the future. How do we meet energy reduction targets and improve the fabric of the huge number of existing houses built before 1960?
The answer is to invest in energy reduction and upgrade the fabric of older buildings to exceed current building regulation standards.
The house is a typical Edwardian semi and is a fine example of what could be achieved using Passivhaus and EnerPHit principles.
In line with new recommended practice from the AECB, we always take a “fabric first” approach to any project. We will always advise to carry out essential maintenance and repair as the initial stage of retrofit. We need dwellings that are watertight and insulated with appropriate ventilation. The house is waterproofed, insulated and made as airtight as possible, using proven methods of Carbonlite Retrofit construction detailing. An MVHR ventilation system further saves energy and provides clean filtered air at a constant temperature and volume for comfort, summer or winter.
Solar PV panels feed a storage battery, powering an air-source heat pump for hot water in summer and backup for winter. Winter heating is through a small clean wood burner, integrated into the heating and hot water systems.
It is estimated that once completed, this house will save at least 80% of all current energy costs.
If you are thinking of embarking on a house alteration like this one and you like what you see, do get in touch. We would be delighted to assist.
