Sefton Retrofit
Re-imagining a late-Victorian house as a twenty-first century family home
Design Approaches
Our design approach is rooted in responsiveness - both to our clients’ needs and to the character and condition of the existing building. We carefully considered its orientation, historical context, and relationship with its garden and surroundings. Above all, our work is guided by an urgent commitment to sustainability- designing not just for now, but for a more responsible and resilient future.
Thermal Retrofit
The existing building was over 130 years old, retaining many original features like solid brickwork, single-glazed windows, and open fireplaces. While full of charm, these elements are not aligned with contemporary energy standards or climate-conscious living.
Buildings account for around 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with the majority of energy used for heating. Our first step in a sustainable retrofit is reducing heat demand. We achieved this through a combination of:
Internal and external insulation
External insulation at the rear improves thermal performance without aesthetic compromise, while internal insulation at the front preserves the historic facade.Improved airtightness and high-performance windows and doors
These upgrades dramatically reduce draughts and heat loss, making the home more comfortable year-round.
Connection to the Garden
Originally, the home lacked any real connection to its garden. Our redesign opens up the interior to the outdoors, bringing nature into daily life:
Large windows and glazed doors now frame views and provide easy access.
Roof overhangs offer protection from rain and reduce overheating by shading windows from high-angle summer sun.
Light & Solar Gain
We maximised natural daylight while carefully managing solar gain for year-round comfort:
Winter sun is welcomed deep into the house to provide passive heating.
Summer sun is controlled using shading elements to avoid overheating during peak hours.
Natural Ventilation
To avoid reliance on mechanical cooling, the house is designed for effective natural ventilation:
Secure operable windows create cross-ventilation.
A stack effect draws cooler air from the garden through the ground floor and out through upper-level windows-especially effective during hot summer nights.
Operational Carbon Reduction
As grid electricity in the UK becomes increasingly low-carbon, switching from gas to electricity for heating and hot water is both environmentally responsible and future-proof. We specify:
Electric air-source heat pumps for space heating and hot water
Efficient appliances to reduce consumption
Smart design strategies to cut energy use without sacrificing comfort
With these changes, households can reduce their carbon emissions from heating and hot water by up to two-thirds.
Embodied Carbon Considerations
The carbon footprint of a building includes not only its energy use but also the emissions from the materials used to build or renovate it. Our approach includes:
Prioritising low-carbon materials like timber and natural insulation
Reducing the need for carbon-intensive elements like steel and concrete
Sourcing reclaimed or second-hand materials wherever possible
Commissioning Whole Life Carbon Assessments to inform sustainable choices throughout the design process
Waste Reduction & Design for Disassembly
The construction industry contributes 60% of the UK’s waste. We take responsibility for this by designing for minimal waste and future adaptability:
Choosing components that are modular, repairable, and recyclable
Using mechanical fixings instead of adhesives for ease of disassembly
Designing for future reuse, relocation, or recycling of building elements
Enhancing Biodiversity
The garden redesign was not only about aesthetics—it was an opportunity to support local biodiversity. Our strategies include:
Planting species that support pollinators and wildlife
Integrating bird, bee, and bat habitats into the building
Creating a safe and accessible water source, such as a small pond, for birds and insects
