Architects: Architecture for London
Area: 190 m²
Year: 2021
Photographers: Lorenzo Zandri, Christian Brailey, Jack Harding
Structural Engineer: Architecture for London
Services Engineer: Green Building Store
Main Contractor: Construction Hub
Manufacturers: Dinesen, Grassi Pietre, Ize, Really Well Made, Reliance Veneer, Velfac, Vola, TwentyTwentyOne
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Low Energy House, designed by Architecture for London at 1 Halliwick Road, London, exemplifies sustainable refurbishment by reducing energy needs with insulation, triple glazing, and air tightness. The Edwardian terrace in Muswell Hill was extended and modernized, preserving the original structure while incorporating energy-efficient features.
Low Energy House by Architecture for London showcases the sustainable transformation of an Edwardian terrace at 1 Halliwick Road, London. The project, completed in October 2021, involved an extension and refurbishment to create a low-energy home, highlighting the potential of sustainable refurbishment for typical terraced houses in London.
The design significantly reduces energy needs through meticulous insulation, triple glazing, and airtightness improvements. Key features include a timber structure, a continuous airtight layer, and comprehensive insulation throughout the building envelope. The walls were insulated externally at the side and rear and internally at the front with wood fiber, preserving the Edwardian facade. Retaining masonry nib walls on the ground floor avoided the need for energy-intensive steel frames.
The rear extension was constructed using highly insulated 172mm Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS), and all existing building elements achieved a Passivhaus standard U-value of 0.15 or better. Natural materials, such as stone, timber, and lime plaster, were selected instead of cement-based products to enhance the building’s sustainability.
An MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) system provides pre-heated fresh air, creating a warm and comfortable indoor environment. This system also filters incoming air, removing pollutants like pollen, diesel particulates, and NOx, contributing to a healthy living space.
As the home of Ben Ridley, Director at Architecture for London, this project serves as an exemplar of sustainable refurbishment. It demonstrates how typical London terraced homes can be transformed into energy-efficient dwellings with careful planning and the use of sustainable materials.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: 1 Halliwick Road, London, N10 1AA, United Kingdom
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
