1950s Bungalow Retrofit for Sustainable Family Living – Guilden Morden

Sat 23 Sep 2023, – Wed 11 Oct 2023, Various

Meet your host, Emily and Alex

As NHS doctors, Emily and Alex regularly saw the impact of the climate crisis on health and were determined to create a home that embraced more of nature on their doorstep whilst providing their family with a healthier lifestyle. Retrofitting this 1950s bungalow has enabled them to experiment with a greener way of living, from significantly reducing their carbon emissions through the installation of an air source heat pump, solar PV and battery, and DIY MVHR system through to creating a permaculture garden that provides organic food for the whole family and a bounty for wildlife alike. They have even installed a composting toilet and solar shower in the garden for long family days spent outside.

Emily says: “ We wanted to minimise greenhouse gas emissions by improving energy efficiency, generating renewable energy and achieving long-term cost savings. At the same time we wanted to improve indoor air quality, produce food, use water efficiently and manage all organic waste on-site..”

PDF case study with more details in links.

Key Features of this home

• DIY MVHR installation
• Solar PV and battery storage
• Air Source Heat Pump
• Direct air wood burning stove
• Permaculture garden for nature and growing organic food
• Rainwater harvesting and composting toilet in the garden

Tour details

1 hour in-person tours, running:

• Sat 23th Sept 11:00, 13:30, 15:00
• Sun 8th Oct 11:00, 13:30, 15:00

These are in-person tours. Bookers will be sent Location details in reminder emails.  Tour spaces are very limited. Babes in arms and young people (14+) are welcome.

Book your in-person tour Sun 23 Sept

Book your in-person tour Sun 8 Oct

1 hour online tour.

• Wed 11th Oct 19:30

Bookers will be sent a link in reminder emails to join this online event.

Book your online tour Wed 11 Oct

 

Our hosts top tips 

• Borrow a thermal imaging camera (or club together with your friends or family to buy one). The CCF thermal imaging course is very helpful too. 
• The ASHP has been great; if you are thinking of one, I would highly recommend AOS Heating as a local installer.
• Imagine where you want to be then work out how you’re going to get there. Try to review your principles and progress your lifestyle towards them at least yearly. Don’t dismiss any ideas – domestic changes will change the world.

 

Return to the full programme

 

Thanks to our 2023 Open Eco Homes funders and supporters

 

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