Stonewall Terrace – 3 Bed 1960's End of Terrace

The retrofit combined a range of measures, including:

• Low-cost measures, including lined curtains and thermal blinds to help retain heat.
• External wall insulation using 100mm polystyrene with a lime-based render system.
• Internal wall insulation to the gable end using sheepswool and breathable board.
• Floor insulation, with 30mm Styrofoam added over the existing concrete slab.
• Improved ventilation, including a single-room heat exchanger in the kitchen and mechanical extraction in the bathroom.
• Solar PV, with a 3.8kW system and Immersun technology to divert surplus electricity to hot water.
• Water conservation, with four water butts.
• Heating controls and lifestyle changes, including thermostatic radiator valves, selective room heating and timing appliance use to make the most of solar generation.
• Overheating measures, including external bamboo blinds and night-time ventilation to keep rooms comfortable during very hot weather.
• Building improvements, including insulated porches, a rear extension built to modern standards and improvements to areas of cold bridging.

The project demonstrates how a combination of insulation, ventilation, renewable energy and changes in household behaviour can improve comfort while reducing energy use. Sue finds that she no longer experiences problems with mould and condensation, while the solar PV and Immersun system have proved particularly worthwhile.