In the heart of Kensal Rise, North West London, a mid-terrace house has undergone a revolutionary transformation, emerging as a beacon of sustainable urban living. This ambitious project, by RISE Design Studio, not only reimagines the potential of existing housing stock but also sets a new standard for eco-friendly retrofits in metropolitan areas.
Project Highlights:
• Incorporating advanced energy-efficient retrofit strategies, using EnerPHit principles
• Rear and dormer extensions plus large garden studio
• Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) for water and space heating
• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels for renewable electricity
• Enhanced airtightness and super-insulation
• Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system
• Open-plan living spaces seamlessly connected to the garden
• Separate garden studio doubling as a home office
Energy Efficiency Breakthrough: The renovation's focus on sustainability will yield impressive results:
• With sustainability measures: 9,500 kWh per annum
• Without sustainability measures: 38,500 kWh per annum
This remarkable 75% reduction in energy consumption demonstrates the profound impact of thoughtful, eco-conscious design and technology integration.
Director Sean Ronnie Hill elaborated on the project's ethos: "This deep retrofit stands as a testament to the possibilities of modern sustainable architecture in urban environments. We've pushed the boundaries of what's possible, exceeding Building Regulations requirements for insulation in most cases by twofold. The result is a home that's not just energy-efficient, but also very comfortable to live in."
Innovative Design and Materials: The project showcases a careful selection of sustainable materials that contribute to both the home's performance and aesthetic appeal. Co Director Imran Jahn explained, "We used locally sourced clay plaster for its breathability and moisture-regulating properties. Valchromat, made from recycled wood fibers, was chosen for the kitchen and built-in joinery due to its durability and low VOC emissions. Microcement in the bathrooms and polished concrete floors complete the palette, offering both sustainability and style."
Homeowner Experience: Anne-Claire and Olly, the homeowners, share their vision: "We wanted an open plan space at the back of the house, including a large kitchen, as we love cooking and socialising. Our aim was to fully experience the garden and the existing fruit trees, making it an integral part of the house."
The result has exceeded their expectations. Anne-Claire added, "What we most enjoy is the round rooflight above the shower in the master ensuite connecting us to the sky above, and the spacious, bright kitchen and living area flowing into the garden. The ability to transition between inside and outside is a gamechanger for us, especially when entertaining friends."
Work-Life Balance: The addition of a garden studio has transformed the work-from-home experience. Olly noted, "Having a home office is a game-changer. My commute is now just a walk down the garden path, which gives me back 90 minutes per day. The separate contrasting space creates a marked transition from work to home life, which is invaluable."
Looking Ahead: As cities worldwide grapple with the dual challenges of housing shortages and climate change, the Herbert Paradise project offers a compelling blueprint for sustainable urban living. It demonstrates that with innovative design and a commitment to sustainability, it's possible to create homes that are not only environmentally responsible but also enhance the quality of life for their occupants.
RISE Design Studio is currently in discussions to apply the lessons learned from this project to future renovations across London and beyond, potentially scaling up the impact of these sustainable practices.
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