Retrofitting your home can improve comfort, reduce energy bills and cut carbon emissions, but understanding the funding options can be challenging. This session will explore the grants, loans and support currently available, where to access trusted independent advice, and how to plan improvements that deliver the greatest long-term value.

Home tours bookable: Saturdays 26 Sept & 10 Oct at 11am, 1pm & 3pm

We made our 1950s project home habitable when we bought it in 2021. Over the years we updated spaces being mindful of a bigger future renovation and avoiding double effort where possible. The house had already had extensions done in 1970-80s in a very cost-avoidant manner which meant they were cold, damp and unusable spaces. We added solar panels and battery in 2022. After much contemplation over the scope and scale of the renovation, we worked in a collaborative manner with Emily McCarthy (our architect) and on one occasion, James Rixon (who advised on retrofit) to arrive at the phase of renovation that is now complete.

We updated the front porch, driveway, and side extension that included a room and a utility area at the back. We now have a warm, well-insulated double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, a utility area with a cloakroom and a bright and welcoming porch and driveway.

On the functional and environmental aspect, we always wanted to source as many things as possible on the second-hand and surplus markets both to remain low carbon and keep the budget low. We were fortunate to find St Edmundsbury Homes as our builder who were happy to work with client-supplied items and materials. Our efforts paid off with savings of about £8k against a £45k budget project as we sourced everything from bathroom goods and tiles to roof-lights, block paving and other materials from FB Marketplace and eBay. We were therefore able to afford spending on much-needed items to stay resilient with a collapsing climate such as triple glazed window and front door, retrofit UFH and more importantly, rainwater harvesting.

BOOK HERE

https://openecohomes-forest-road.eventbrite.co.uk

Home tours bookable: 26 Sept, 3 & 4 Oct at 11am, 1pm & 3pm

Deep retrofit applied while effectively rebuilding and extending the house. Underfloor insulation, new vacuum glazing, internal wall insulation, solar PV, MVHR, ASHP, water saving measures all wrapped in a quirky designer home.

Dom and Marine both work in software as designers (which probably explains why in their spare time they like to do things with their hands). They’re passionate about sustainability and the climate crisis, and wanted to see if they could drag a wholly reluctant Victorian semi into a highly performant eco home. Ideally, a home that had little to no heating requirements and that was airy, interesting and fun. With no kids, they’ve made a house that perhaps isn’t for everyone, but it works well for their needs. They’re pretty hands on, so most of the finishing in the house has been done by themselves.

One not to be missed if you are planning to renovate or rebuild a Cambridge city Victorian house. See just how energy efficient you could go while creating a beautiful and interesting home.

BOOK HERE

https://openecohomes-sedgwick-st.eventbrite.co.uk

Every aspect of retrofit, from insulation and ventilation to heating and glazing, has a gold standard. While we’d all love instant access to them, it’s important to remember that every house and its occupants have unique needs, expectations and budgets.

No matter your situation – social housing, private rented accommodation, a small flat or your first home – we can guide you through the first steps on your retrofit journey. Learn some simple steps and build the knowledge you need to continue moving forward.

On-line tour: 30 Sept 7pm

We made our 1950s project home habitable when we bought it in 2021. Over the years we updated spaces being mindful of a bigger future renovation and avoiding double effort where possible. The house had already had extensions done in 1970-80s in a very cost-avoidant manner which meant they were cold, damp and unusable spaces. We added solar panels and battery in 2022. After much contemplation over the scope and scale of the renovation, we worked in a collaborative manner with Emily McCarthy (our architect) and on one occasion, James Rixon (who advised on retrofit) to arrive at the phase of renovation that is now complete.

We updated the front porch, driveway, and side extension that included a room and a utility area at the back. We now have a warm, well-insulated double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, a utility area with a cloakroom and a bright and welcoming porch and driveway.

On the functional and environmental aspect, we always wanted to source as many things as possible on the second-hand and surplus markets both to remain low carbon and keep the budget low. We were fortunate to find St Edmundsbury Homes as our builder who were happy to work with client-supplied items and materials. Our efforts paid off with savings of about £8k against a £45k budget project as we sourced everything from bathroom goods and tiles to roof-lights, block paving and other materials from FB Marketplace and eBay. We were therefore able to afford spending on much-needed items to stay resilient with a collapsing climate such as triple glazed window and front door, retrofit UFH and more importantly, rainwater harvesting.

BOOK HERE

https://openecohomes-forest-road-online.eventbrite.co.uk