Inspirational есо retrofits

Find out how these amazing eco retrofits enabled the homeowners to reduce energy bills and make their existing homes more energy efficient

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Choose materials carefully

In this project, sheep's wool and wood fibre insulation were used in the walls of the extension and a recycled glass foam insulation with capillary break was installed underneath the floor slab, which meant the project reduced the amount of carbon required while providing good insulation.

"Because Victorian buildings are designed with traditional materials, we would highly recommend not using any petrochemical insulation like foam or plastic PIR insulation," explains Tom Housden, director at Outpost Architects.

"We would also recommend using materials to allow some vapour to travel in and out of the walls so you don't trap moisture in the walls. This would be insulation like timber fibres, sheep's wool, lime render, hemp, and straw panels. They all need to be used in the right way - the wrong way can also create issues.

"They're not very difficult to use and they're not very dangerous - with the right precautions taken - which means if you are struggling to find someone to do the work or if you can't afford it, it's easy to watch a few videos, do some reading and do it yourself."

Consider retrofit costs

There's no getting away from the fact that improving a home's energy efficiency can be a costly business, and while costs may not immediately be recouped, homeowners (and buyers) are becoming more aware of the importance of a well-insulated home. And if you're planning to stay put, the savings in energy bills alone can make a significant difference.