Blog 1: Introduction, 1/11/10 by Ruairi Kay
22 Hastings Road is a semi-detached property which has already undergone some ‘Decent Homes Standard’ improvements but does not meet the CO2 emissions demanded of the TSB competition. Works such as window replacement and loft/cavity wall insulation have previously been carried out in a piecemeal fashion and have resulted in condensation and mould growth to the first floor bedrooms within the mansard roof. A standard Cornish Unit design but with a rear cavity wall extension, the ground floor is constructed of solid concrete columns with concrete panel infills to create a void. The first floor is a timber construction mansard roof that accommodates the bathroom and the bedrooms. This is one of four retrofit schemes ECD Architects are carrying out for Crawley Homes in Crawley, East Sussex, started on site the October and is due for completion in January 2011.
Front elevation pre retrofit
ECD, Crawley Homes and contractor Wates have worked closely with the residents throughout the design period to ensure that minimal disruption is caused to the returning tenants. Changes to the property that they will benefit from include external wall insulation to the ground floor and internal insulation to the extension and first floor, 450mm of loft insulation, solar PV, micro-CHP boiler and an aerogel insulated ground floor. A target of low air leakage coupled with a heat recovery ventilation system will ensure a good level of ventilation and indoor air quality. In addition, 100% LED replacement lighting is proposed to minimise electricity consumption, together with A++ rated appliances and advice to the tenants on how to minimise fuel consumption whilst maintaining adequate comfort conditions.
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