Overview
ERDF Energiesprong refurbishment project of 8 1950’s maisonettes in Torbay. This was part of a larger programme with two other organisations. The design solution developed was common to all properties and included: External Wall Insulation, roof covering replacement, structural repairs, electrical upgrade, replacement windows and doors, under floor and loft insulation, Solar PV and battery storage, ground source heat pumps and MVHR.
Challenges and Actions
This ERDF funded programme was commissioned to develop a zero carbon retrofit solution. Like any R&D project this involved designing and developing the design solution, working with specialist partners to achieve the required outcome. One of the key challenges was undertaking such an extensive amount of work whilst residents remained insitu. Our design and delivery solution therefore focused on reducing the amount of work needed internally. This included the development of energy pods to house all the M&E equipment, helping to reduce the impact to the resident and maximising the internal space within the property. Another key challenge was the structural stability of the existing structure. After investigations remedial measures were implemented to ensure the longevity of the investment being made.
This project includes a performance guarantee and to assess this, we have installed a bespoke monitoring solution. This proactive solution allows us to measure the effectiveness of the implemented design solution and the performance of the equipment we have installed as well as providing in depth historical data. The early monitoring identified areas for improvement including the reduction of an overhanging tree and some setting amendments for the ground source heat pumps. It has also helped to refine the design on future phases of the project under the GLA Retrofit Accelerator programme. As mentioned above, the façade solution required replacement, and this has been undertaken utilising a partnership approach with residents appraised throughout the process. Recent evidence from one customer demonstrated an electric bill (The only energy provided from the grid) for a ten-month period (December 21 to October 22) at £172.
