NEP’s Community Retrofit House
To give the community a genuine, hands-on experience of home retrofit, our community retrofit house became a live building site, hosting expert-led retrofit training sessions. Participants developed practical insulation skills and gained first-hand experience of the techniques that can improve energy efficiency.
Read the story below.
The Victorian mid-terrace property is located in a conservation area with solid brick construction and internal loft access. The property initially had no insulation in the walls or roof with a suspended timber ground floor.
Prior to the retrofit, the property had gypsum plaster throughout, uPVC double glazing windows, a Gas Central Heating System and an EPC rating of a D.
The retrofit aims
01
Create a full house sustainable retrofit
02
Follow a fabric first approach to retrofit
03
Retain the existing period features of the house and architectural merit
04
Reduce energy demand and carbon footprint
05
Increase the resale value of the home
The retrofit plan
The journey began with a comprehensive retrofit assessment and condition survey of the property, identifying issues including incompatible finishes, a defective gas boiler, faulty windows and lintels, a non-compliant staircase, poor electrical wiring and concerns around the structural integrity of the roof.
We then developed a retrofit plan and carried out the necessary remedial works, alongside consultations with specialist contractors for the new heating, ventilation and renewable energy systems.
With the planning in place, we began by improving the building fabric, insulating and draughtproofing the house using natural materials to improve thermal performance, comfort and energy efficiency. We then replaced the windows and doors, upgraded the ventilation and installed renewable energy and clean heating technologies.
The final stage focused on completing the fittings and fixtures, bringing together the practical, technical and aesthetic elements to create a comfortable, energy efficient and sustainable home.
Retrofit in action
Insulation completed with local residents during DIY retrofit workshops
Chimney repointing and reflaunching
Removal and installation of staircase
Installation of new windows
Underfloor heating
Supporting the community
This project was designed with the local community at its heart, creating opportunities for community members to build practical skills and confidence through hands-on workshops and live training. By demonstrating retrofit techniques in a real home, the project provided a practical way for participants to see how improvements can be carried out on older properties and develop skills they can take forward.
The project also gave our team valuable first-hand experience of retrofitting older homes and understanding the challenges homeowners can face. This learning helps us continue to improve the support we offer, including resources such as our Insulation Guide and tailored home energy plans.
For further support on retrofitting your home, visit Start your Retrofit Journey.