Retroactive - as good as new

Published by Lucy Blackwell for Stroma in Housing and also in Environment

Stroma Design suggests that, although retrofit is now considered the route to meeting government targets, it is important to get the occupants on side for solutions that work not only in theory, but in reality too.

The government-backed Technology Strategy Board's (TSB) 'Retrofit for the Future' competition forms part of this drive. The £3.5 million scheme aims to address some of the key objectives for the housing sector: reducing CO2 emissions, reducing energy bills, finding a secure and affordable energy supply, and forming an efficient supply chain for housing associations and registered social landlords.

Each of the organisations that have won contracts to participate will develop sustainable, yet practical and financially viable, whole house refurbishment solutions which can be rolled out across the UK for similar housing types. Success will be measured by the extent to which a solution balances carbon reductions with capital cost and occupant comfort, along with the potential for replication.

Appropriate measures

RIBA chartered practice Stroma Design, partnering with Connaught, is one of the successful applicants and plans to pioneer its fabric first approach to retrofit during phase 1 of the scheme - the feasibility stage. The approach involves reducing energy demand through air tightness, insulation and ventilation improvements before introducing renewable energy technologies. Stroma will consider each property individually, taking into account all possible variables including property type, location and orientation, to determine the most appropriate retrofit measures. Performance testing has already been carried out on the existing properties by Stroma and the Energy Saving Trust will carry out two-year post-completion testing and monitoring to ascertain the level of improvement achieved.

However, Stroma realises that retrofit is not without its challenges. The practical and theoretical implications of retrofitting properties are greater than those associated with new build as the tenant or occupant is more involved in every stage of the process. Consequently, Stroma has already held numerous liaison meetings with the relevant tenants, registered social landlords and housing association representatives to ensure that their requirements are considered throughout the scheme.

Firstly, it is essential to ensure that the pursuit of cutting carbon and meeting targets does not lead to dehumanisation of the architectural process. There is little point in refurbishing properties to a high standard of energy performance if occupant comfort levels are compromised as a result; quality of life must remain a principal factor.

Stroma therefore plans to develop retrofit strategies using design methods proven through performance testing, rather than relying on accreditation software. These design tools are often inaccurate, giving only an assumption of energy performance which rarely translates to reality. Instead, Stroma's approach acknowledges that houses are systems affected by occupant activity as much as by the building services and technologies deployed within them. Occupancy patterns, lifestyle choices, personal preferences and cultural needs will therefore be taken into account when developing a retrofit strategy.

Logistical factors

Another factor to consider is the extent to which occupants will be uprooted and inconvenienced. It might be necessary to relocate people for large-scale or invasive refurbishment works, in which case there are logistical factors to consider. Stroma plans to be involved at every stage of the process, proposing regular site visits to ensure that the scheme runs smoothly and disruption is kept to a minimum.

Finally, it is important to be selective in the deployment of new technologies. If an occupant is unable to operate a new system, it will be used incorrectly or not at all and the attempt to upgrade the building will have been in vain. Stroma intends to minimise this risk by consulting occupants from the outset to discuss potential upgrades and determine their potential for success.

Holistic approach

Discussing the strategy, Robin Parker, Director of Architecture at Stroma Design commented: "Ultimately, Stroma is looking to adopt a holistic approach to refurbishment, setting up a consultancy with the necessary skills to deliver large scale retrofit schemes of improvements which simultaneously balance social, economic and environmental criteria. We are acutely aware of the cost of these measures to the housing providers and are looking at funding models. Over time, it is hoped that these retrofit programmes will prove financially viable."

Stroma is currently working with several housing associations and building contractors to retrofit existing social housing stock, providing design services, strategic advice and assessment works.

For further information on Stroma's approach to retrofit or to discuss requirements, call 0845 621 11 11 or email design@stroma.com.