Real-life Retrofit: Case studies

The built environment is a major contributor to the environmental pressures our world is facing. Rather than demolishing existing buildings, retrofitting of existing buildings can play a crucial part in meeting net-zero carbon targets. Retrofit involves modifications to existing buildings that will improve energy efficiency or decrease energy demand.

In this online event series, we have documented three different retrofit case studies in the Bristol area, each building with a unique history and retrofit plan. Working with contractors trained under our Futureproof programme, we focus upon retrofit in real life to show the challenges and solutions in upgrading the performance of older buildings.

Session #1: EnerPHit Enhancement: Reaching for Passivhaus retrofit standards on a 1980s home

Bristol-based contractors Earthwise Construction were approached by their clients to retrofit their 1980s home to EnerPHit standard. A rigorous approach to insulation, airtightness and ventilation based on PHPP modelling would reduce energy use to a minimum, with areas of the house remodelled to offer flexible living spaces.

Just how far did Ben East and his team need to reimagine the fabric of the building to meeting such exacting requirements? Find out about the methodology and materials employed to create this high-performance home and meet the experts who made it happen.

Ben will be joined by civil engineer and certified passivhaus designer Beth Williams and architect John Williams of eco Design Donsultants who will give their perspective on the project.

This project will also feature in November’s Passivhaus Trust Open Days

Fees

£25 Green Register members / £35 Non-members

Special offers

• Book all 3 in the series for a reduced rate:  £65 for members, £90 non-members
• Book 3 places for the price of 2 - when registering enter discount code: 342

Each event can be attended as a stand alone session, or if attending the whole series they will complement each other.

Speaker Profiles

Ben East, Earthwise Construction Ltd

Ben East is a director of Earthwise Construction Ltd, a sustainable construction company based in Bristol specialising in timber frame, Passive House construction, MVHR & DCV systems. Earthwise Construction was born in 2006 out of the Earthship Brighton project with a view to building more sustainably. Ben has a background in carpentry and holds an MSC (with Distinction) from CAT in Advanced Energy & Environmental Studies and is a certified Passive House Tradesperson.

Beth Williams MEng (Hons), CEng MICE

Beth is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Certified PassivHaus Designer, and associate at Build Collective, a bespoke engineering consultancy based in Bristol.

Beth has over 10 years’ experience in low-energy and low-carbon design and construction, focussing on timber frame PassivHaus buildings. Her project experience ranges from domestic extensions to new build sports halls and high security NHS facilities. 

Alongside practice work, Beth is a visiting tutor at Bath, Cardiff and UWE architecture schools, and group leader for the AECB Bristol & Bath local group. Beth is passionate about making low-energy buildings simple to build, affordable and available to all.

Twitter: @BethWilliamsSE