As a retrofit Demonstrator Project under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund awarded by BEIS, gcp are working with Two Rivers Housing Association on a series of 1970s era properties in the Forest of Dean. The project pilots retrofitting measures to selected properties, with works being carried out while residents are in occupation.
The works follows the PAS 2035 retrofit specification process and delivers Energy Efficiency Measures under PAS 2035 Pathway C comprising 160-180mm mineral wool external wall insulation, replacement windows and doors, loft insulation, air tightness, and associated ventilation improvements to provide distributed extract ventilation and mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems. In addition, the heating systems are being replaced with air source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed.
Extensive preparatory works were necessary to accommodate the additional thickness being applied to external walls, involving modifications to access pathways, drainage services, canopies, roof verge projections & all external fixtures and fittings.
Currently works are still in progress, but the aim was for at least a 45% decrease in carbon emissions produced by the homes included in the project. Learning from the project will be taken forward in further housing stock renewal programmes and we hope that it will also aid in implementation of the PAS2035 retrofit process on a wider scale.
“The appointment of a well-established, experienced architect is key to ensuring that we get the best results for our tenants, homes and organisation, so I am very pleased to be working with gcp Architects who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the project, which will be shared with our in-house team”
