Article date:25 March 2009
Written by:Jose Espinosa
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.
