Low energy house / Architecture for London

Low energy house / Architecture for London

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Text description provided by the architects. An Edwardian terrace in Muswell Hill has been extended and refurbished to create a comfortable low energy home. The original structure of the house was revealed, its modest beauty celebrated. Energy requirements are drastically reduced thanks to insulation, triple glazing and improved airtightness. New additions include a rear extension and an attic conversion.

As the home of Ben Ridley, director of Architecture for London, this project aims to be an example for the sustainable renovation of a typical terraced house in London, on a budget. The embodied energy and the energy used have been examined in depth. Design features include a wooden structure, triple glazing, a continuous airtight layer and insulation of the entire building envelope.

The walls were insulated externally on the sides and at the back, and internally at the front with wood fibre. Interior insulation to the front has preserved the original Edwardian facade. Pointed masonry walls have been retained on the ground floor to avoid energy-consuming steel box frames. Natural materials such as stone, wood and lime plaster have been used throughout rather than cement-based products.

The rear extension was constructed of highly insulated 172mm SIPS and all existing construction elements achieved a standard Passivhaus U-value of 0.15 or better. An MVHR system provides preheated fresh air, creating a warm and comfortable home. The system also filters incoming air, removing pollen, diesel particulates and NOx to create a healthy interior environment.