Sustainability

This project aims to be an exemplar for the sustainable retrofit of a typical terraced home in London, within a constrained budget.

Both embodied energy and energy in use have been considered in depth, and there are a number of successes in addition to lessons learned for next time!

Design features include:
- Minimising concrete structure
- A continuous airtightness layer, formed by either intello plus membrane (where timber construction e.g. floor, loft and rear extension) or 10mm lime plaster where existing masonry walls
- Insulation to existing floors and masonry walls, externally at the side and rear, and internal wood fibre at the front
- MVHR
- Triple glazing for all new contemporary windows and rooflights
- Only timber structure has been used in the loft conversion, no steels.
- Retaining some masonry nib walls downstairs to avoid steel box frames where possible
- Using lime plaster, mortar and render rather than cement based products
- Highly insulated 172mm SIPS for the rear extension
- Natural stone rather than concrete floor finishes
- Avoiding concrete / cement in garden landscaping

Architect: Architecture for London

We are award-winning London architects dedicated to the creation of inspirational architecture and interiors.
Our holistic design, engineering and construction service ensures that each project meets the exacting requirements of our Healthy Homes approach. We employ the highest comfort standards, including Passivhaus and EnerPhit; creating warm, low-energy homes and workplaces that are a joy to inhabit.

Our residential projects include new homes, house extensions and refurbishments at all scales. We have extensive experience with heritage properties, where there is often a need to balance sensitive refurbishment with carefully considered contemporary extensions. Projects are designed holistically with architecture, landscape, joinery and interiors each interlocking to form a coherent whole.