Drum Housing Association (a part of the Radian Group) put forward six properties for a major energy performance upgrade through the Generation Homes programme in 2006/7. The scheme comprises three 3-bedroom semi-detached houses and three 2-bedroom bungalows, built in the 1950s. All are cavity wall construction with pitched roofs and loft spaces.

The scheme is located in a rural area of Hampshire and the properties are clustered in a cul-de-sac. There is no mains gas supply and therefore heating and hot water were originally provided by a combination of a solid fuel-fired boilers and electrical storage heaters. A survey of residents’ running costs prior to the works being undertaken revealed annual energy costs of the order of £1,000-£1,250 on average per household. 

The scheme was completed in 2007, and savings of up to 75% on the carbon emissions baseline are expected. Measures included cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, full double glazing, improved air tightness, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, waste water heat recovery, ground source heat pumps and solar PV.

For full case study click here

The project is being recognised as a national exemplar for low energy refurbishment and has won a number of prizes and commendations.

Constructing Excellence Demonstration Status, awarded by the Housing Forum, Jan 2008
Building Sustainability Awards 2007 Highly Commended: "Building 99% Campaign Award for Refurbishment"
National Home Improvement Council Awards 2007 Winner: "RSL with most significant improvements to their housing stock" Runner Up: "Most Sustainable Refurbishment of the Year"
South East Low Carbon Awards 2007 Winner: "Low Carbon Development of the Year"