Blog 1: Introduction, 1/11/10 by Ruairi Kay
33 Warnham road is a 1960’s semi-detached property which has already undergone ‘Decent Homes’ improvements. 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. The tenant reported less than satisfactory comfort levels, with the building facing extremes of temperature in both the winter and the summer months. The house is built using a timber infill panel system between exposed aggregate cross walls. The infill panels have been updated with uPVC cladding panels. Heating is currently via a gas fired boiler running a wet system of radiators, which replaced the original warm air heating system. In late 1960’s Crawley, a cluster of estates were buillt using this Selleck Nicholls Williams system, mainly formed of semi-detached, short terraces of 3-4 units and 3-storey blocks of flats. This is one of four retrofit schemes ECD Architects are carrying out for Crawley Homes in Crawley, East Sussex - it 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. The retrofit package will consist of vacuum-insulated-panel (VIP) external wall insulation, top-up loft insulation, replacement triple-glazed windows and entrance door, whole-house heat recovery ventilation and a micro-CHP replacement boiler, supplemented by roof-mounted photovoltaic modules. 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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