Personal story:

I am a paint technologist by trade and although I was new to green retrofitting I did a lot of research, actively reading articles and information on the topic. I researched how to improve the property (from a technological and passive perspective) and I also researched recommendations on healthy living conditions.

Motivations:

In October 2008, we moved from the London area into this 1930’s detached house with solid walls. The survey indicated a property that would be “difficult & expensive to keep warm”.
Following a very cold winter & after much deliberation, I decided that the best option was to “think tea-cosy” and install external wall insulation.  This was the correct decision, for as soon as the foam panels were affixed the house started to warm up, retaining the heat supplied by the, then, inefficient central heating system.  This led onto the other energy saving systems listed. Both comfort and compatibility to the existing building were important.

I am also part of ‘West Bridgeford Ecohomes’ group and ‘Greening Radcliffe’.

Property background:

This detached, solid wall property was built in the mid 1930s by a local builder called John Carter. We purchased it in October 2008.

Key changes made:

The main changes made to the property included the insulation of external and internal walls, floors and loft. Renewable energy technologies installed include PV and solar thermal while other energy saving measures include a whole house Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery system, draught proofing and low energy use appliances and lights.

Measures installed in detail:

• Hi-performance Alpha condensing gas boiler
• Draught-proofing
• External wall insulation using 60mm Phenolic foam
• Floor insulation using 120mm Celotex
• Internal wall insulation using 20mm Spacetherm (Aerogel) + Fermaboard panels
• Loft insulation using 250mm Celotex
• Low energy appliances
• Low energy lighting throughout
• Titon Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery system
• 10 Photovoltaic panels of 2.0 sq m each, 2.46 KWp
• 2.4 sq m Solar thermal panel

Benefits of work carried out:

One benefit of the retrofit was that because I’ve done all the investigation I realise how it all works.

Common questions and answers for this SuperHome

Who did your external wall insulation and what material did you use?+

Westville carried out the work on my insulation; externally & inside in certain areas. Phenolic foam is the preferred option unless you go for the super thin Aerogel insulation.

Contact this homeowner