A Victorian terrace refurbishment project, designed to demonstrate how existing properties can be brought up to current housing standards has been awarded an EcoHomes rating of ‘Excellent’.

The project in Newcastle-under-Lyme set out to improve the energy performance of the terrace housing by incorporating innovative and modern design solutions. Axis Design Architects, the firm responsible for undertaking the design element, incorporated sunspaces as one of the new features of the properties, to increase the solar gain, along with a renewable hot water system and internal insulation.  The sunspace also increased the level of light throughout the houses, which previously suffered from dark rooms.

Rob Annable of Axis Design Architects says:
“Engaging with the national debate about energy consumption was a crucial part of this project, but our goal was to ensure that other equally important issues were addressed. There is a danger that the future of housing refurbishment becomes focused solely on carbon emissions when the quality of the living environment itself is of equal, if not greater, value. The house must continue to perform robustly in the housing market and continue to be attractive to first time buyers. Balancing the environmental specification with the lifestyle quality will deliver that long term success.

To help keep that in mind we have described this balancing act as the three C’s : Carbon, Cash, Comfort”

Prior to the refurbishment the houses had an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of G. Now, with the ‘Excellent’ rating the houses are estimated at an EPC rating of B. This represents a carbon saving of 5 tonnes.

Marisa Maitland of Sustain says:
“EcoHomes assessment looks at all aspects of the dwelling, from the materials, to the construction management and how it is to live in by the end home owner, this project demonstrates just how much existing dwellings can be improved to meet and go beyond the standards set by new build developments.” 


The project partnership includes Staffordshire Housing Association, Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council and Renew North Staffs. The ecoterrace is now open with residents moving in. Axis Design Architects will be monitoring the tenants and reviewing the energy use of the properties to see how the refurbishment has impacted on the tenants lives.

The residents of the first two properties moved in at the end of July 2008. The properties will be closely monitored for both performance and lifestyle experience over the next two years.