Hastoe has won funding to test cutting edge low carbon technology and show how existing homes can be made more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions.
The project at Gaymer Memorial Cottages, nr Attleborough, Norfolk was selected for funding (from an investment pot of £17m) from 190 proposals to the ‘Retrofit for the Future’ national competition, run by the Government’s Technology and Strategy Board. Hastoe is currently selecting a contractor to complete the works.
Housing represents 27% of the UK’s total carbon emissions and the Government has set a target for an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.
The project will be monitored for two years by the Energy Saving Trust to determine its success and the results will be shared to help the affordable and private sector retrofit their homes to meet energy efficient standards.
The vacant cottage to be retrofitted is currently off the gas network, single glazed, has solid walls, very little loft insulation and electric storage heaters which means that heating bills would be higher for any resident. Around 60% of heat in our homes is lost through the roof and walls.
Hastoe is working with ECD Architects to design and implement the retrofit. Some of the innovations to be used in the project include advance insulation products known as ‘spacetherm,’ and heating and hot water via an air source heat pump and solar panels. They will help reduce the carbon emissions at this property by around 90%.
Mrs Lawrence, the future resident of the property said:
“I am really excited to be involved in this project. I saw the cottages being built in the 1940s and never imagined that I would see them upgraded in this way. I am looking forward to moving in and learning how to use all the new technology. I think that it is fantastic that the retrofit will provide me with a warmer, more efficient home that is kinder to the environment.”
Clare Hendry, Sustainability Manager at Hastoe said:
“We are delighted to have been successful in our bid to retrofit the property at Gaymer Cottages. It will show what can be achieved through new and innovative technologies, some just on the market, and give Mrs Lawrence affordable warmth.”
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For more information please contact: Rebecca Beaumont on 020 8973 0437 or
rbeaumont@hastoe.comECD Architects is a London based, award winning architectural company specialising in the design of high quality, low energy and low environmental impact buildings. Originally founded in 1980 to combine architectural practice with energy research and consultancy, their expertise in environmental and social architecture has culminated in over 100 successfully completed projects for Local Authorities, Housing Associations and Developers throughout the UK. For further information with regard to ECD (Energy Conscious Design) please visit the website:
www.ecda.co.uk