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Our Favourite: Retrofits

Whilst retrofits often focus on thermal improvements, they’re also about bringing older spaces to life. Not only is it important to bring these older buildings up to today’s performance standards, it’s vital for the carbon-free future we desperately need.

So this month we’ve selected some of our favourite retrofit projects—from a mid-terrace home, to a stunning chapel conversion. These projects prove how a great architect can give new life to a dull and forgotten building. Let’s dive in!


paul

A step-by-step EnerPHit retrofit of a mid-terrace home

“This is a wonderful project for so many reasons. Harry has shared so much of his retrofit journey”

“He has looked to absolutely minimise his waste streams from the project; he engaged local schools in passivhaus sessions; the spaces are delightful – especially with the exposed cork insulation; and just look at those hand drawn, watercolour details.”

“A proper exemplar project.”

House Planning Help article


george

Stony Stratford Home

“I feel this is a really sensitive retrofit response to one of the original homes designed by the Milton Keynes Development Cooperation.”

“As the city continues to expand, the architectural precedent set by the MKDC becomes diluted, making homes like this one ever-more impressive.

“It retains the 1970’s appearance of the home externally, whilst modernising the inside and still managing to achieve the Passivhaus EnerPHit standard.” 

“The central open staircase is a particular favourite feature of mine.”

Eco Design Consultants website

Image credit: Roxanne Bergman and Eco Design Consultants

alan

Bleeding Heart Yard

“I love the contrast between the before and after photos on this office retrofit and extension project in London by one of my favourite architects. It’s definitely not boring!.”

RIBA J article

Before (Image credit Google Maps)
After Before (Image credit Alan MacDonald)

josh

Mid Terrace Dream

“This project shows how a retrofit can successfully adapt a typically space restrictive building typology. Hugely improving performance and still creating an exciting and attractive aesthetic.”

“Air source heat pumps and MVHR are incorporated alongside fabric improvements to create a warm and inviting space that is adapted for the future.”

Collective Works website

Image credit: Jim Stephenson and Collective Works

Mami

The Old Chapel

“The old chapel conversion into a 520m2 dwelling is a low-carbon breathable retrofit using wood fibre for envelope thermal improvements.”

“The interior is beautifully finished and it is very tactile.”

Tuckey Design Studio website

Image credit: James Brittain and Tuckey Design Studio

Image credit: Taran Wilkhu and Emil Eve

henry

Aden Grove

“This project includes an extension and retrofit to improve insulation levels, install a smart heating system and switch to Air Source Heat Pump.”

“The architect took the opportunity to update the external appearance with a bright and warm terracotta palette.”


Emil Eve website

Turn your doer-upper into a showstopper

Contact us today if you want a retrofit home to brag about.