To meet its net zero targets, the UK has to get to grips with carbon emissions in its ageing houses, and fast. The Welsh School of Architecture’s retrofit programme is doing just that and its pioneering work was recognised last month when it was named CIBSE’s 2023 Building Performance Champion. Andy Pearson reports
Tag: retrofitting
Existing building stock – the elephant in the room
The UK has ambitious net zero carbon targets. That means tackling some 27 million existing homes and two million commercial buildings. Hywel Davies considers the importance of refurbishment
London calling: why CIBSE is planning to relocate to central London
CIBSE has announced it is seeking to leave Balham and buy a new head office in central London. Alex Smith finds out how the Institution intends to harness Members’ skills and experience to create an exemplar retrofit that will inspire others on the path to net zero
Case study: targeting UK’s highest Nabers rating in Pimlico
The Belgrave Road office development in London is the first to receive a Nabers UK 5.5 target rating for its carefully considered design. Andy Pearson finds out how the rating scheme’s independent design review process drove down operational energy use on the hybrid ambient loop/variable refrigerant flow scheme
Generation gains: designing a 5th generation energy network in central London
Bankside Yards is set to become the UK’s first major mixed-use regeneration project with zero emissions in operation. Phil Lattimore looks at the fifth-generation ambient energy network at the heart of the design strategy
Case study: Battersea Power Station
Battersea’s iconic power station has reopened as a mixed-use development incorporating an innovative services strategy that removed the need for heating and cooling in the gargantuan retail mall. Andy Pearson takes us on a tour
Case study: Houlton School retrofit
Turning a radio transmitter station into a sustainable new school for Rugby involved vastly improving the historic fabric of the building while designing new teaching blocks to a high thermal performance to ensure top marks for low energy use. Andy Pearson reports
Burrell Collection retrofit: a glazing success
The Grade A-listed Burrell Collection houses important works of art, but poor fabric performance has made the museum unsustainable. Andy Pearson explains how the building’s glazed façade was restored to make the gallery fit for a low carbon future
Fresh start: the transformation of Bow Street police station into a luxury hotel
Turning a Grade II-listed Victorian police station and magistrates’ court into a luxury London hotel required innovative services design, as Andy Pearson explains
Saving energy through retrofits of heritage properties in Myanmar
The affordable retrofit of 25 historic buildings in Myanmar could form the template for making millions of existing buildings across Asia climate resilient, says Doh Eain’s Beverley Salmon