| Case Studies | Description | Age | Insulation | Low-Carbon | Materials | Water | Other | Years Open | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1930s Eco-Retrofit & Loft Extension CB3 Case Study |
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Semi-detached, thorough retrofit, part DIY | 1930s | Internal and external wall, flat and pitched roof, double and triple glazing | Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, condensing combi boiler | Wood fibre insulation, Fermacell | Low volume flush toilets, low flow showers | 2015, 2016, 2020 | |
| Aberdeen SquareCB2 8BZ Case Study |
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Terrace | 2010 | Air source heat pumps, solar PV | Aerating shower heads, dual flush toilets, water butt | 2013 | |||
| Ascham RoadCB4 2BD Case Study |
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Semi-detached | 1929 | External wall, underfloor, double glazing | Condensing boiler, wood burning stove, solar PV | Reclaimed timber | 2014 | ||
| Auckland Road CB5 8DW Case Study |
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Custom built, detached | 2009 | Roof, walls, floors, green roof | Energy efficient appliances | Natural materials: low VOC paints, wood, stone | Dual low flush toilets, green roof | ‘Keep it simple’ principle: maximise insulation, natural daylight, air-tightness | 2019 |
| Bishop's RoadCB2 9NH Case Study |
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Detached bungalow | 1946 | External and internal wall insulation. Double glazing | Condensing boiler, wood burning stove, solar PV, low energy bulbs, underfloor heating | Water butt | 2013 | ||
| Bury RoadCB22 5BP Case Study |
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Semi-detached | 1957 | Cavity wall, loft, and underfloor. Double glazing | Low energy bulbs, solar PV, mechanical ventilation heat recovery | 2013 | |||
| Cambridge Mosque CB1 3DF Case Study |
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Europe's first eco-mosque | 2019 | EPC A rating | Solar heat gain, air source heat pumps, heat recovery system, natural evaporative cooling, energy efficient appliances, underfloor heating | Timber frame structure | Rainwater harvesting, | 2017, 2019 | |
| Carbon Neutral Studio Flat CB3 Case Study |
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First floor flat in self built barn | 1995 | Well insulated fabric, continuous vapour barriers, double and triple glazing | Solar PV, air source heat pump, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery | Reclaimed & repurposed materials | Rainwater and ground water harvesting | Acoustic separation between ground & first floors | 2012, 2020 |
| Cheney Way CB4 1UD Case Study |
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Semi-detached | 1958 | External and internal wall insulation, loft, and underfloor | Condensing boiler, wood burning stove, mechanical ventilation heat recovery, solar PV, solar thermal panels and thermal store, low energy bulbs | Roofing felt. Powder-coated aluminium gutters. Acetylated timber. | Water softener, dual flush toilets, rainwater harvesting | 2013 | |
| Chesterton RoadCB4 1DA Case Study |
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Three storey Victorian house with striking re-design of draughty bay window |
1896 | Internal and external wall, roof, floor, double- and secondary-glazed sashes | Solar thermal panels, PV, heat recovery & ventilation | Water butts, dual flush WCs, low-flow showers | Sunpipe | 2015, 2016, 2017 | |
| Coleridge RoadCB1 3PN Case Study |
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Semi-detached, thorough ecorenovation of family home | 1930 | External wall (brick slips), floor, converted loft insulation | Zone heating | Salvaged French door | Dual flush toilets, water butt, water softener | Vegetable garden, | 2015 |
| Coton Village Hall CB23 7PL Case Study |
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Community centre | 1934 | External, underfloor, and roof. Double glazing. Draughtproof lobby room. | Air source heat pump, LED lighting, low energy flourescent lighting, underfloor heating. | Aerating taps, low flush toilets | 2013 | ||
| Country in the City CB3 Case Study |
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Detached, custom built to fit its garden | 2010 | External wall, underfloor, thermal mass, high performance double glazed | Ground source heat pump, underfloor heating, solar thermal panels, woodburner, heat recovery & ventilation, passive solar gain | Wood, stone, Marmoleum | Rainwater harvesting | 2010-2020 | |
| Eachard RoadCB3 0HY Case Study |
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Semi-detached, restored home with thorough insulation & renewables. | 1935 | Internal & external wall, floor, loft | Woodstove (for cooking, heating and hot water), solar PV | Wood for building extension and conservatory | Four water butts | Wood fuel sourced partly from own garden | 2015 |
| Eco Hub - GamlingaySG19 3QP Case Study |
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Community centre | 1970s | Super-insulated and air sealed throughout. | Passive ventilation with heat recovery, ground source heat pump system, solar termal panels with thermal store, solar PV | Rainwater harvesting | 2013 | ||
| Eddington Hill Show Home CB4 2EZ Case Study |
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End terrace | 2018 | Cavity wall, triple glazing | LED lighting, A rated appliances, underfloor heating, district heating system, MHVR, PV system, provision for charging electric vehicle | Rainwater harvesting and filtering for washing machines and toilets (low flush), flow regulators on taps and showers | Sedum roof | 2018 | |
| Eltisley Avenue CB3 9JG Case Study |
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Mid-terrace, innovative low-cost ecorenovation | 1902 | Insulated loft conversion. Underfloor. Triple, double, or DIY secondary glazing. | Wood stove, DIY awnings for cooling, low energy bulbs (LED), DIY fanned radiator | Reclaimed pine flooring, Marmoleum (eco-lino) | Low flow showers, low volume flush WCs | Wood store with sedum roof | 2015, 2017 |
| FallowfieldCB4 1PG Case Study |
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Semi-detached | 1940s | External wall, loft, double glazing | Low energy lighting | 2014 | |||
| Fen RoadCB4 1BS Case Study |
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Semi-detached, thoughtful ecorenovation with low carbon heating | 1897 | Internal and external wall insulation | Solar thermal, woodstove | Reclaimed wood | Two water butts for chalk-free garden watering | DIY solar thermal installation | 2015, 2018 |
| Foster RoadCB2 9JR Case Study |
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Terrace | 1947 | Cavity wall, loft, pipe, double glazing | Condensing boiler, solar PV, solar thermal panel, low energy bulbs, LEDs | Rainwater harvesting, water butts, low flow taps | 2014 | ||
| Getting Off Gas CB2 Case Study |
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Terraced, retrofit | 1880s-90s | Internal and external wall, improved air tightness, Passivhaus windows and external doors | Air source heat pump, mechanical ventilation, ceiling fans, external blinds, patio pergola | 2020 | |||
| Gilbert RoadCB4 3NX Case Study |
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Semi-detached, extended and comprehensively insulated home | 1930 | Internal and external wall, floor, loft, thermal-lined curtains | Solar water heating, woodburning stove | Reclaimed bricks | Water butts | Bike shed, wood store | 2015 |
| Gwydir StreetCB1 2LG Case Study |
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In-progress renovation. Victorian terrace with urban small holding vibe | 1890 | Loft, internal wall insulation with air vent, double glazed sash windows | Woodstove. Aiming for EnerPHit energy standard over long term | Chickens, quails, raised beds, Sheffield stands for bikes | 2016, 2019 | ||
| Harvey Goodwin AvenueCB4 3EX Case Study |
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Detached | 1920 | External wall, underfloor, roof, double glazing, triple glazed roof light | Condensing gas boiler, low energy bulbs, LEDs, solar thermal | 2014, 2018 | |||
| High Street - Pease HouseCB3 0QA Case Study |
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Detached | 2012 | Super-insulated, structurally insulated panels (SIPS), air tight, triple glazing | Solar PV, solar thermal panels with thermal store, underfloor heating, condensing gas boiler, | Rammed earth wall, reclaimed materials | Rainwater harvesting | 2013, 2017, 2018 | |
| High Street - Pease HouseCB3 0QA Case Study |
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Detached renovation | 1920 | Retrovive underfloor insulation, cavity wall insulation, external and internal wall insulation, double glazing | Solar PV, low energy lightbulbs (CFL/LED), new boiler, heating zones, radiator controls. | Well water for toilet cistern and garden | Vegetable garden and composting | 2017 | |
| Hills RoadCB2 8RP Case Study |
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Detached | 1905 | Loft, walls, underfloor. Glazing. | Condensing boiler, thermostatic radiator valves, low energy bulbs, solar PV | Aerating shower heads, low flush toilets, water butts | 2013 | ||
| Huntingdon RoadCB3 0HH Case Study |
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Semi-detached | 1890s | Internal wall, double glazing, draught stripping, air sealed windows | Solar PV, low energy lighting, thermostatic radiator valves | 2014 | |||
| K1 Cambridge at Marmalade LaneCB4 2EZ Case Study |
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A range of low-energy Swedish Trivselhus homes | 2017 | Highly insulated factory made panel walling, triple glazed windows and doors | Passive solar heat gain, air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation with heat exchange | Factory made panel construction | Low water use fittings | Co-housing with additional shared garden, workshop and office | 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Knight's WayCB24 6DE Case Study |
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Semi-detached | 1960s | Cavity wall, carbon zero loft, thermal beam/block, underfloor | Condensing boiler, solar thermal and thermal store, low energy bulbs | Rainwater harvesting, low flush toilets | 2013 | ||
| Laburnum CloseCB4 1BB Case Study |
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An external tour of an external wall insulation system with brick slip cladding | 1930s | External wall insulation system with brick slip cladding | Solar PV | Installed as part of a neighbourly project involving three houses | 2016 | ||
| Lingrey CourtCB2 9JA Case Study |
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Semi-detached 'Zero-carbon' concept house & family home. | 2015 | Insulated panel construction, some triple-glazing | Solar PV, heat recovery, heat-saving shower | FSC-certified timber cladding | Water-saving WCs, showers and baths | Green roof, herbs, fruit and veg growing | 2015 |
| Macfarlane CloseCB24 9LZ Case Study |
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Detached | 1962 | Underfloor, cavity wall, under-barge board and loft (floor and ceiling). Reflective double glazing. | Solar PV, Mechanical ventilation and heat recovery, LED lighting, heating zones, thermal store for hot water | Reclaimed wooden floors. Waste building materials from build re-used in garden structures. | 2017, 2018 | ||
| Magnolia CloseCB1 9TU Case Study |
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Detached | 2010 | Roof, walls, floors, triple glazing, air sealed entrance lobby | Condensing boiler, wood burner, solar PV, low energy bulbs, LEDs, underfloor heating, mechanical heat and ventilaton recovery | Clay brick internal wall (thermal mass) | Rainwater harvesting, water butts, low flush toilets | 2013 | |
| Melbourne PlaceCB1 1EQ Case Study |
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Terrace | 1840 | External wall, loft, underfloor, double glazing, air sealed windows/doors/letterbox | Solar PV, thermostatic valves, LED bulbs, underfloor heating, air source heat pump | Reused bricks, lead substitute flashing, FSC timber | Aerating taps, low flush toilets, rainwater harvesting | 2013 | |
| Midsummer CommonCB4 1HA Case Study |
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Narrowboat | 2001 | Hull, spray-foam | Solar PV, wind turbine, wood burning stove, LED bulbs | 2013 | |||
| Milton RoadCB4 1SU Case Study |
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Detached bungalow | 1927 | Ground floor, roof, external walls, double glazing and triple glazed roof windows, air sealed entrance lobby | Solar PV, LED bulbs, heating controls, passive ventilation and heat recovery, underfloor heating, air source heat pump | Rainwater harvesting | 2013 | ||
| More Space, Less Energy CB23 Case Study |
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Semi-detached, retrofit, Passivhaus extension, largely DIY | 1945 | External wall, underfloor, triple glazing, very high airtightness | Solar PV with diverter, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, modern boiler | timber, low mass roof tiles, aerated block, wood cladding | 2019, 2020 | ||
| Mowbray RoadCB1 7TG Case Study |
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Detached newbuild PassivHaus standard home | 2015 | Wall and roof insulation, airtight structure. | Mechanical ventilation & heat recovery | Wood frame & walls. Recycled newspaper insulation | Rainwater harvesting for garden and WCs. | Mechanical heat recovery filters pollen | 2015 |
| Neville RoadCB1 3SW Case Study |
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Substantial renovation with a clever mix of novel low cost DIY and standard insulation | 1936 | External and internal wall, roof, storm porch, side extension | Garage mounted Solar PV array, appliance timers, solar gain and daylighting | Carpet made from 80% recycled bottles, bamboo floor and kitchen worktops | Four water butts, rainwater container by kitchen sink for tasks not requiring tap water | Re-fill liquid cleaning materials, avoiding disposables and plastics | 2016 |
| New Street CB1 2QT Case Study |
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Terrace | 1995 | Roof, loft, between floors, triple glazing | Condensing boiler, solar thermal panels with thermal store, thermostatic valves, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery | Low water shower, toilet, and taps | 2013 | ||
| Nightingale AvenueCB1 8SG Case Study |
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Detached | 1958 | Cavities, floors, roof, extension, draught proof entrance lobby | Condensing boiler, solar PV, solar thermal panel, heat recovery extractor fans, low energy bulbs, LEDs | Reclaimed flooring | Rainwater harvesting, aerated taps, dual low flush toilets | 2013 | |
| North StreetCB4 3QN Case Study |
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Terrace | 2012 | Wall cavity, roof, floor, double glazing, non-opening windows | Solar PV, solar thermal, low energy bulbs, LEDs, air source heat pump, underfloor heating | Low flow taps | 2014 | ||
| Nutters Close CB3 9NS Case Study |
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Detached | 2012 | Cavity and loft insulation, double and triple glazing | Air source heat pump, underfloor heating, PV array, computer controlled lighting system, wood burning stoves | Cedar, oak, elm, Lake District slate, Hoskins 'Old Duxford' bricks | Wheelchair accessible ground floor cloakroom and bedroom with wet-room. Landing library leading to cantilevered balcony |
2018 | |
| Nuttings RoadCB1 3HU Case Study |
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Extensive renovation completed over five years puts environment at heart of home | 1950s | Cavity wall, loft, hot water tank, under bath, triple layer curtains | Solar PV & thermal, 9 kW woodstove, heat recovery | Eco-paint, wool insulation, | Rainwater harvesting, spray taps, toilet 'Hippo' | Sedum roof, vegetable growing, terracotta fridge | 2015, 2016, 2019 |
| Oxford RoadCB4 3PH Case Study |
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Large house with multiple extensions and substantial renovations | 1927 | Cavity and external solid wall insulation, underfloor, loft conversion | Solar PV, zoned underfloor heating, LED lighting | Timber framed windows (with aluminium cladding) | Bathtub siphoning | Adapting to use smaller A+ rated fridge | 2015, 2016, 2019 |
| Perowne StreetCB1 2AY Case Study |
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Retirement renovation and extension for comfort, light and easy mobility | 1890 | Internal and external wall insulation, underfloor, loft | LEDs, condensing boiler, A+++ appliances, increased daylighting and solar thermal gain from extension | Soakaway to save money on water bills, water efficient wetroom, 'hippos' | Solar powered Velux blinds | 2016 | |
| Rampton DriftCB24 3EH Case Study |
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Homes x12: Detached, Semi-Detached, Terrace | 1950s-70s | External wall cavities filled and insulated, lofts, internal walls, air sealed entrance lobby/windows/external doors | Combination boilers, thermostatic radiator valves, solar thermal hot water system with thermal stores, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery | Web based monitoring of gas and electricity usage, temperature, humidity and CO2 levels | 2013 | ||
| Rathmore RoadCB1 7AD Case Study |
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Low energy new build built for beauty, sociability and minimum running costs | 2015 | Highly insulated and triple glazed factory made wall units, underfloor, roof | 'A' rated gas boiler with magnetic filter, 7 zone ground floor underfloor heating, PV | Acrylic bathroom panels, Marmoleum flooring, oak staircase | 3000 ltr rainwater harvesting for toilets, fire sprinkler system and garden use | Floor wash lighting with motion sensors, half-hour fire doors | 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Richmond RoadCB4 3PT Case Study |
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Terrace | 1896 | Exernal walls insulated internally, super insulated bathrooms, air sealed windows/doors, double/triple glazing | Condensing boiler, wood burner | Lime mortar external walls | Aerating taps, dual low flush toilets | 2013 | |
| Ross StreetCB1 3BS Case Study |
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Extended and renovated Edwardian terrace with emphasis on fair footprint living | 1912 | PUR aerogel, insulating render, blinds, double glazed windows and doors | Wood burning stove, solar PV, LEDs, condensing boiler | Reused reclaimed and recycled fittings, cork tiles, UK wool carpet | Aerating taps, 'pulse eco' showerhead, dual flush toilet, water butts | Raised beds, covered ventilated 'shed' for storage and clothes drying | 2016 |
| Saint Barnabas RoadCB1 2BY Case study |
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Semi-detached, highly-insulated home with low-carbon lifestyle | 1897 | Internal wall, roof, floor, double- and secondary-glazed sashes | Zone heating controls, woodstove, passive solar | Reused building materials and furnishings | Water butts, low water-consuming lifestyle | 2015 | |
| Saint John's RoadCB5 8AN Case Study |
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Saint John's College University of Cambridge, sensitive and feature packed renovation of Regency house | 1810 | Ground floor, internal wall, roof, double or secondary glazing throughout | Heat recovery extractor fans, LEDs, variable temperature heat controls, condensing boiler | Full retrofit with new kitchens and bathrooms, daylight tubes. | 2016 | ||
| Saint Margaret's RoadCB3 0LT Case Study |
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Wide ranging renovation includes new passive ventilation heat recovery system | 1930 | External wall insulation for half of house, solid wall internal, underfloor, loft - floor and roof, cavity wall insulation of extensions | Passive ventilation with heat recovery, underfloor heating | Large extension with passive solar gain and daylighting | 2016, 2017 | ||
| Seymour StreetCB1 3DH Case Study |
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Terrace | 1913 | Floor, roof, cavities filled, air sealed vents/chimneys/windows/doors, double glazing | Solar PV, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, exhaust air heat recovery, heat saving thermal blinds | 2013 | |||
| Silverdale AvenueCB23 7PP Case Study |
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Detached. Custom-built timber frame home and office in Coton | 2013 | External wall, roof, interfloor, triple glazing | Solar PV, heat recovery, passive solar | FSC timber | Dual flush toilets, water butt, water softener | Flexible design for any future change of use | 2015 |
| Silverwood CloseCB1 3HA Case Study |
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Terrace | 1930s | External wall, cavity, loft, roof, double glazing, radiator reflectors | Condensing boiler, low energy bulbs, solar thermal panels, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery, underfloor heating | Rainwater harvesting | 2014, 2017 | ||
| Stylish Low Energy Self-Build CB1 Case Study |
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New-build, detached | 2018 | Structural insulated panels, floor, triple glazing | Underfloor heating, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, solar PV with Iboost diverter | Zinc, cedar, limestone, timber | 2018, 2020 | ||
| The House Built in 3 Days CB1 Case Study |
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Custom, factory-built timber house | 2015 | Roof & floor, wood fibre wall, triple glazing, electric & fixed shading | Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, underfloor heating, solar PV, solar cache PV hot water heating, wood stove, hot water circulation pump | Wood frame, larch cladding, wood, no PVC, MDF, paint toxins | Electro-smog barrier | 2017-2020 | |
| Thoday StreetCB1 3AX Case Study |
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A house for lovers of natural building materials. | 1919 | Visitors on 18th will see Hempcrete wall insulation in progress, double glazing | Solar PV, Worcester condensing boiler with WAVE internet controlled programmer | Lime mortar re-pointing, Tadelakt plaster, eco-paints | Cob oven in garden | 2016 | |
| Topcliffe WayCB1 8SJ Case Study |
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Extensive renovation to take control of energy bills | 1963 | Cavity wall, loft and external wall, argon filled double glazing | Woodstove, solar PV & thermal, DIY fitted mechanical ventilation with heat recovery | Rainwater harvesting, DIY greywater toilet | Low energy-consuming family living | 2015, 2016, 2017 | |
| Victorian Family Home with 21st Century Insulation CB1 Case Study |
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Mid-terrace, retrofit | 1880s-90s | Internal and external wall, external roof, underfloor, triple glazing, doors | Condensing gas boiler, solar PV with Iboost diverter, wireless thermostatic radiator valves, woodburner, renewable energy supplier | Recycled slate, reused wood | Water butt, low volume flush toilets | 2019, 2020 | |
| Woodlark Close CB3 0HT Case Study |
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Detached | 1930s | Interior solid wall, loft, underfloor, double glazing | Wood burning stove, underfloor heating, LED lighting | 2014 |