At HEM Architects, we’re specialists in retrofit. We’ve worked on hundreds of projects to breath new life into existing buildings, making them more comfortable, energy-efficient, and future-proof.
This month’s we’re sharing some of Our Favourite HEM Architects retrofit projects. Each with its own challenges, creative solutions, and impressive results. From drastically lowering energy bills to enhancing comfort and air quality, these homes and workspaces showcase the power of well-planned and detailed retrofits.
paul
Footgate Close, Sheffield
“In early 2013 we moved into our 1970 semi-detached home in Oughtibridge, Sheffield. It was a cold winter that year and I vowed not to live in the house another year without doing something about it.”
“We finished our retrofit and extension project in 2019 and we now live with so many benefits. Low energy bills, a comfortable 20-21 degrees all year round (we only have one radiator).”
“The home is much healthier too. With no cold spots, draughts or condensation making spaces feel uncomfortable. Our Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) changes the air in the house once every 3 hours. Keeping the air fresh and the chance of asthma and other respiratory issues to a minimum.”
liam
The Dale, Derbyshire
“This 18th century cottage in Wirksworth, Derbyshire was one of my first retrofit projects that I’d worked on my own.”
“The client Bobby pushed the retrofit as far as it would go within his budget, starting from scratch and adding a modest single storey rear extension.”
“His builder (who was his friends from the pub) was super detailed so questioned everything, including all material choices and sequencing.”
“But working through all the layers it helped grow my understanding and motivated me towards formal training in retrofit.”
“A few years later I caught up with Bobby, the client, who told us his energy bills had reduced by around £1500 the year following the project’s completion.”
alan
South Yorkshire Housing Association Depot
“I love this retrofit because it’s so unusual but so transformative.”
“I never expected we’d ever retrofit a series of portacabins but that’s exactly what South Yorkshire Housing Association asked us to do in collaboration with Jim Buttrell & JAM Structures.”
“Technically, this was a surprisingly challenging project as the cabins were never intended to be so well insulated.”
“We had to carefully consider the breathability of the structure to ensure we didn’t cause any unintended consequences, whilst making the cabins much warmer in winter and avoiding overheating in the Summer.”
“I love SYHA’s ambition for this project and the fact they wanted their site staff to have the same standard of workspace as their head-office team.”
“Who’d have thought a portacabin could have looked so good?”
josh
Cinder Bridge Road, Rotherham
“Cinder Bridge Road is a perfect example of juggling and overcoming multiple design and legislation challenges.”
“Through hard work and a creative thought process, this project has brought together modern thinking on thermal and air tight principles to turn an old dilapidated cottage into an attractive, bright home for the future.”
elena
Bryn Celyn, Conwy
“Bryn Celyn is a thoughtful, low-budget retrofit project currently at RIBA Stage 4 – Technical Design.”
“The client initially approached us with plans to extend their newly acquired 1960s home.”
“However, after a site visit, we proposed reallocating the extension budget to enhance the house’s performance and optimise the internal layout.”
“This approach provides a more efficient and comfortable living space while making the most of their investment.”
Want to fix the draughts, but keep the charm?
Contact us today if you want the specialists in retrofit to manage your journey to a warmer home.