Demonstration Project

Our award-wining demonstration house at Carshalton Grove is a single-skinned (non cavity-walled) house built in 1870 and was in need of renovation throughout. Due to its ubiquitous design and decorative standard it was a prime candidate for applying and testing eco-principles for future reproduction.

Additionally, Carshalton Grove was deliberately acquired as it has no south facing roofs, thereby making the harvesting of solar energy that much more difficult. Clearly, if we can achieve significant reductions in energy consumption with this house, we can do it anywhere.

The programme includes, but is not limited to the following work:

Conventional Renovation Work Required

• Re-wiring
• Roof strengthening
• Redecorating throughout
• Addition of a loft room
• New windows

‘Eco’-Work Required

• Beyond best-practice insulation
• Hyper-efficient heating system using renewable fuels
• Airtightness Improvements and Ventilation Control
• Rain and Greywater recycling
• Improved waste management facilities

At all stages we will be comparing the cost of what is deemed to be a ‘conventional’ refurbishment with the build cost and long term savings derived from eco-refurbishment. These calculations will be backed up by empirical evidence using independent testing companies both before and after the work has been carried out, and alongside monitoring equipment that we will be permanently installing into the fabric of the house to observe its long term performance.

Keep an eye on our News section for announcements on Open Days