Norwich Terrace Retrofit

The client lived abroad so we used BIM and Virtual-Reality to make the most of meetings to test our ideas and create a perfectly tailored, efficient layout. Firstly, we followed ‘fabric-first' principles to create a highly insulated and airtight shell. Everything was stripped back to brick and the slab was broken out to allow the entire envelope to be insulated internally. The rear elevation had to be re-built, due to rot & structural defects, which gave opportunity to improve the layout & add a 3rd floor bedroom, using a mist sprinkler system. Secondly, we reconfigured the layout to maximise available space & flexibility. A bespoke ‘Dutch stair’ was built with more comfortable winding treads. Also, despite the compact plot, we introduced two new roof-top planting areas to promote biodiversity. High levels of insulation and carefully placed windows promote cross-ventilation. Two interlocking zinc-clad boxes were installed above the rear extension. VMZINC is fully recyclable and does not require any protection. It also helps to reflect heat improving cooling in summer. Zinc has a corrosion rate of 1(¹) µm/year offering a lifespan of over 100 years. The design emits 300 kg of CO2 per year less than what is required by legislation. The client desired a highly efficient hydrogen-ready boiler providing a soft landing for future conversion to an air source heat pump.