The design team and technology installers assemble

On the 10th May the design team and installers met at the property with the residents to carry out further feasibility surveys.

Having all contractors together on site proved to be a very valuable exercise enabling the different specialists to discuss how their equipment would fit together, timings for works and allocation of responsibility for each part of the project. For example:

- Lawtech, the external wall insulation company, were able to discuss with the B. Ball contractors how the windows should integrate with the external insulation system.

- Thermal reflections, the installers of the solar gain heat pump, established that the radiators were probably too old and small, and will therefore be replaced with skirting board heating, and that the current hot water cylinder would need to be replaced with a larger capacity cylinder to provide sufficient hot water to the dwelling. They also concluded that there would be sufficient space on the south facing roof to fit the four solar gain heat pump panels.

- CVC, the MVHR installers, were able to develop solutions for locating the rigid ducting, such as boxed in down the side of the chimney breast and down the side of the bath into the kitchen.

The day gave the resident the opportunity to meet the different contractors and gain a greater understanding of the proposed works.

The team is now moving rapidly forward with the detailed specifications and works programme.

Charlotte Booth
Energy consultant
CEN Services Ltd.

Aims & Objectives

This project aims to investigate and compare the potential reduction in energy and carbon dioxide emissions of two adjoined 1946 semi-detached rural properties in the Ashford area, south-east England, that takes a whole house approach. Our intention is to firstly compare the energy consumption and carbon emissions of the two almost identical properties, one heated by oil heating and the other electric. Our pre-install monitoring data will provide us with solid evidence of energy consumption and carbon emissions for both scenarios during the winter months when energy demands are most demanding. This will data will strengthen our results and provide a basis for which we can analyse our energy modelling through Elmhurst Design SAP 2005 and Passive House Planning Package (PHPP).


Furthermore, our post-install monitoring will enable us to carry out closer analysis of how behavioural differences alter energy consumption for the same house type with nearly identical heating and hot water systems. As a result, we feel that adopting both properties will be hugely beneficial to the Retrofit for the Future project, as well as the residents.
The key project approach is to develop a solution that uses complementary technologies and techniques, and primarily tackles the whole envelope, thus reducing the initial energy demand and fuel bills, followed by a combination of renewable and sustainable solutions to provide the remaining required heating and hot water supply. This should be done with as minimal disruption to the tenant as possible, ideally with them remaining in situ.


Finally, the entire design elements were to be considered in such a way that makes it highly replicable, allowing roll-out to the UK existing housing stock on a large scale. Furthermore, a number of quotes were to be obtained, along with consideration of scale-up cost reductions, so that cost-effectiveness can be considered in the roll-out plan.

Charlotte Booth
Energy consultant
CEN Services Ltd.

Phase II

We have won funding to implement the Retrofit Works. Great news. Well done everyone. Time to put our theories into practice!

3D computer model showing front of property with proposed retrofit measures. Attention is drawn to the render to be overlaid on the 110mm external wall insulation, minimising the aesthetic impact of the works. The photovoltaic panels, triple glazing and draught lobbies to be included have also been modelled.

3D computer model showing rear of properties with propsed retrofit measures. ttention is drawn to the render on the external wall insulation, triple glazing and the Solar Gain Heat Pump panels.