Cambridge gardens eco-refurbishment

Notas do Editor

1. Work began on site just before Christmas 2009.
2. This project related very well to the aims and objectives of the Hasting Trust:To help those who live, work or visit here to care for the environment• To help the local economy to flourish in ways which won't spoil the place for those who come after us• To spread the word to all concerned about how to regenerate the town and, at the same time, conserve all that's good in it.
3. The building was owned by the Trust with the intention of refurbishing it as part of a construction training project. The decision was made to develop the refurbishment into an “Ecoretrofit” looking at all aspects of the work and “greening” wherever possible. This increased the overall refurbishment cost by approx. 7% which we considered good value in view of the savings to the environment and future running costs.
4. The Trust worked with a company specialising in this field to take the project forward and fortunately through Future Cities funding were able to ensure that the training objectives from the original scheme were kept.
5. There were a number of possible re-furb routes we could have gone down but chose the one that would result in most running cost savings. Fuel Poverty is of serious concern here in Hastings and St Leonards and the intention has been that this development is an example to private and social landlords as well as homeowners, in creating a better environment for their tenants without too great an investment.Being in a conservation area made the use of renewables more complicated but it was seen that given all the energy saving elements being incorporated, adding renewables would not have resulted in a significant enough reduction in energy use to warrant the additional outlay.
6. Original stud work and timber kept or re-used where possible.
7. Different types of natural insulation were used throughout to give indication of what is available. All external solid walls insulated 200mm on inside. Particular care taken to avoid cold bridging.
8. Mechanical Ventilation and heat recovery system throughout to ensure good internal “climate” and to minimise heating input required from heating system. Heating system from low energy condensing boilers.
9. A great invention!!
10. Sun pipes in situ- difference is fantastic- better than natural light!
11. Low energy rated appliances, low pressure water fittings, low energy light fittings, special double glazed timber windows in keeping with original style and satisfying Building Regulations.
12. A tip from the past- glazing over the top of the doors helps bring natural light into dark areas such as hallways etc
13. Light, warm, airy,fairly well sound proofed and low running costs- what more could you ask for?
14. A final note- the flats achieved Energy Performance ratings better than some new build.