The guy's affordable approach to sustainable renovation
English The architecture studio guy completed that Retrofit From this crescent house on Golden Lane Estate in London. The project demonstrates how sensitive planning and detailing can improve energy efficiency and comfort while maintaining the unique character of a listed character Reside Building. Type's retrofit approach provides a model for how affordable, sustainable renovations can revitalize historic properties.
Type identified the opportunity to achieve affordability by focusing on the material palette. The team's approach emphasized underutilized, low-cost sustainable materials, which enhanced the inherent beauty of the space. The renovation demonstrates how careful material selection can contribute to both affordability and sustainability without compromising quality or aesthetics.
Images © Lorenzo Zandri
a dialogue between old and new
The design concept through the Architects At Type focuses on celebrating the Crescent House's original features and incorporating modern upgrades. The project has a prioritized improvement to the thermal performance of the existing building envelope in line with the local authority's plan to improve facades with double or triple glazing. By focusing on a “fabric first” approach, Type aimed to show that investing in building fabric doesn't have to compromise fabric. The team tested new, affordable and sustainable materials such as lightweight honeycomb cardboard for sliding doors and cork for floors. Ecoboard, a sustainable alternative to MDF, was used for joinery and painted surfaces were chosen for easy maintenance.
Working within the scope of a Grade II listing shaped many of the design decisions, but Type saw these limitations as opportunities to improve the original features. The budget required a focus on improving the building fabric, using Spacetherm and Airgel insulation to minimize impact on the historic listing. The underfloor heating system had to be both removable and thin to fit within the existing listed furniture to ensure the upgrades respected the original character of the building.
Enter a historic apartment on the Golden Lane Estate in the UK that has been retrofitted
Maximizing space and functionality of the half moon house
One of the key elements of the retrofit was the efficient use of space. The open plan layout has been subtly divided to create a more dynamic floor plan. This restructuring allowed for the introduction of functional features such as additional storage for an ironing board and vacuum, a discreet drying area, a small office space and a supply closet. The redesign also ensured that the studio offers both a shared space and privacy when needed.
The selection of materials focuses on sustainability and affordability. Cork floors, honeycomb cardboard partitions and painted surfaces were chosen for their low environmental impact. The use of demountable and recyclable elements allowed for flexibility to ensure the design adhered to the listed status of the building. The exposed steel structure added an industrial aesthetic and enhanced the historic character of the apartment.
The type's approach to working with listed buildings highlights the importance of preserving, reusing and recycling wherever possible. This ethos aligns with the broader aim of reducing environmental impact and maximizing sustainability in construction. The project serves as a prototype for future renovations, demonstrating how smart materials and thoughtful planning can result in energy-efficient, cost-effective solutions that respect a building's historic fabric.
The project focused on reducing energy consumption and preserving the historic character of the building
Affordable sustainable materials were used to revitalize the apartment's interiors
Challenges included damp issues, lack of insulation and adapting the layout for modern living