Case Studies DescriptionAgeInsulationLow-CarbonMaterialsWaterOtherYears Open
1930s Eco-Retrofit & Loft Extension
CB3

Case Study
Semi-detached, thorough retrofit, part DIY1930sInternal and external wall, flat and pitched roof, double and triple glazingMechanical ventilation with heat recovery, condensing combi boilerWood fibre insulation, FermacellLow volume flush toilets, low flow showers2015, 2016, 2020
Aberdeen Square
CB2 8BZ

Case Study
Terrace2010Air source heat pumps, solar PVAerating shower heads, dual flush toilets, water butt2013
Ascham Road
CB4 2BD

Case Study
Semi-detached1929External wall, underfloor, double glazingCondensing boiler, wood burning stove, solar PVReclaimed timber2014
Auckland Road
CB5 8DW

Case Study
Custom built, detached2009Roof, walls, floors, green roofEnergy efficient appliancesNatural materials: low VOC paints, wood, stoneDual low flush toilets, green roof‘Keep it simple’ principle: maximise insulation, natural daylight, air-tightness2019
Bishop's Road
CB2 9NH

Case Study
Detached bungalow1946External and internal wall insulation. Double glazingCondensing boiler, wood burning stove, solar PV, low energy bulbs, underfloor heatingWater butt2013
Bury Road
CB22 5BP

Case Study
Semi-detached1957Cavity wall, loft, and underfloor. Double glazingLow energy bulbs, solar PV, mechanical ventilation heat recovery2013
Cambridge Mosque
CB1 3DF

Case Study
Europe's first eco-mosque2019EPC A ratingSolar heat gain, air source heat pumps, heat recovery system, natural evaporative cooling, energy efficient appliances, underfloor heatingTimber frame structureRainwater harvesting, 2017, 2019
Carbon Neutral Studio Flat
CB3

Case Study
First floor flat in self built barn1995Well insulated fabric, continuous vapour barriers, double and triple glazingSolar PV, air source heat pump, mechanical ventilation with heat recoveryReclaimed & repurposed materialsRainwater and ground water harvestingAcoustic separation between ground & first floors2012, 2020
Cheney Way
CB4 1UD

Case Study
Semi-detached1958External and internal wall insulation, loft, and underfloorCondensing boiler, wood burning stove, mechanical ventilation heat recovery, solar PV, solar thermal panels and thermal store, low energy bulbsRoofing felt. Powder-coated aluminium gutters. Acetylated timber.Water softener, dual flush toilets, rainwater harvesting2013
Chesterton Road
CB4 1DA

Case Study
Three storey Victorian house with striking re-design
of draughty bay window
1896Internal and external wall, roof, floor, double- and secondary-glazed sashesSolar thermal panels, PV, heat recovery & ventilationWater butts, dual flush WCs, low-flow showersSunpipe2015, 2016, 2017
Coleridge Road
CB1 3PN

Case Study
Semi-detached, thorough ecorenovation of family home 1930External wall (brick slips), floor, converted loft insulationZone heatingSalvaged French doorDual flush toilets, water butt, water softener Vegetable garden, 2015
Coton Village Hall
CB23 7PL

Case Study
Community centre 1934External, underfloor, and roof. Double glazing. Draughtproof lobby room.Air source heat pump, LED lighting, low energy flourescent lighting, underfloor heating.Aerating taps, low flush toilets2013
Country in the City
CB3

Case Study
Detached, custom built to fit its garden2010External wall, underfloor, thermal mass, high performance double glazedGround source heat pump, underfloor heating, solar thermal panels, woodburner, heat recovery & ventilation, passive solar gainWood, stone, MarmoleumRainwater harvesting2010-2020
Eachard Road
CB3 0HY

Case Study
Semi-detached, restored home with thorough insulation & renewables. 1935Internal & external wall, floor, loftWoodstove (for cooking, heating and hot water), solar PV Wood for building extension and conservatoryFour water buttsWood fuel sourced partly from own garden2015
Eco Hub - Gamlingay
SG19 3QP

Case Study
Community centre 1970sSuper-insulated and air sealed throughout.Passive ventilation with heat recovery, ground source heat pump system, solar termal panels with thermal store, solar PVRainwater harvesting2013
Eddington Hill Show Home
CB4 2EZ

Case Study
End terrace2018Cavity wall, triple glazingLED lighting, A rated appliances, underfloor heating, district heating system, MHVR, PV system, provision for charging electric vehicleRainwater harvesting and filtering for washing machines and toilets (low flush), flow regulators on taps and showersSedum roof2018
Eltisley Avenue
CB3 9JG

Case Study
Mid-terrace, innovative low-cost ecorenovation 1902Insulated loft conversion. Underfloor. Triple, double, or DIY secondary glazing.Wood stove, DIY awnings for cooling, low energy bulbs (LED), DIY fanned radiatorReclaimed pine flooring, Marmoleum (eco-lino)Low flow showers, low volume flush WCsWood store with sedum roof2015, 2017
Fallowfield
CB4 1PG

Case Study
Semi-detached1940sExternal wall, loft, double glazingLow energy lighting2014
Fen Road
CB4 1BS

Case Study
Semi-detached, thoughtful ecorenovation with low carbon heating 1897Internal and external wall insulationSolar thermal, woodstoveReclaimed woodTwo water butts for chalk-free garden wateringDIY solar thermal installation2015, 2018
Foster Road
CB2 9JR

Case Study
Terrace1947Cavity wall, loft, pipe, double glazingCondensing boiler, solar PV, solar thermal panel, low energy bulbs, LEDsRainwater harvesting, water butts, low flow taps2014
Getting Off Gas
CB2

Case Study
Terraced, retrofit1880s-90sInternal and external wall, improved air tightness, Passivhaus windows and external doorsAir source heat pump, mechanical ventilation, ceiling fans, external blinds, patio pergola2020
Gilbert Road
CB4 3NX

Case Study
Semi-detached, extended and comprehensively insulated home 1930Internal and external wall, floor, loft, thermal-lined curtainsSolar water heating, woodburning stoveReclaimed bricksWater buttsBike shed, wood store2015
Gwydir Street
CB1 2LG

Case Study
In-progress renovation. Victorian terrace with urban small holding vibe1890Loft, internal wall insulation with air vent, double glazed sash windowsWoodstove. Aiming for EnerPHit energy standard over long termChickens, quails, raised beds, Sheffield stands for bikes2016, 2019
Harvey Goodwin Avenue
CB4 3EX

Case Study
Detached1920External wall, underfloor, roof, double glazing, triple glazed roof lightCondensing gas boiler, low energy bulbs, LEDs, solar thermal2014, 2018
High Street - Pease House
CB3 0QA

Case Study
Detached2012Super-insulated, structurally insulated panels (SIPS), air tight, triple glazingSolar PV, solar thermal panels with thermal store, underfloor heating, condensing gas boiler, Rammed earth wall, reclaimed materialsRainwater harvesting2013, 2017, 2018
High Street - Pease House
CB3 0QA

Case Study
Detached renovation1920Retrovive underfloor insulation, cavity wall insulation, external and internal wall insulation, double glazingSolar PV, low energy lightbulbs (CFL/LED), new boiler, heating zones, radiator controls.Well water for toilet cistern and gardenVegetable garden and composting2017
Hills Road
CB2 8RP

Case Study
Detached1905Loft, walls, underfloor. Glazing.Condensing boiler, thermostatic radiator valves, low energy bulbs, solar PVAerating shower heads, low flush toilets, water butts2013
Huntingdon Road
CB3 0HH

Case Study
Semi-detached1890sInternal wall, double glazing, draught stripping, air sealed windowsSolar PV, low energy lighting, thermostatic radiator valves2014
K1 Cambridge at Marmalade Lane
CB4 2EZ

Case Study
A range of low-energy Swedish Trivselhus homes2017Highly insulated factory made panel walling, triple glazed windows and doorsPassive solar heat gain, air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation with heat exchangeFactory made panel construction Low water use fittings Co-housing with additional shared garden, workshop and office
2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Knight's Way
CB24 6DE

Case Study
Semi-detached1960sCavity wall, carbon zero loft, thermal beam/block, underfloorCondensing boiler, solar thermal and thermal store, low energy bulbsRainwater harvesting, low flush toilets2013
Laburnum Close
CB4 1BB

Case Study
An external tour of an external wall insulation system with brick slip cladding 1930sExternal wall insulation system with brick slip cladding Solar PVInstalled as part of a neighbourly project involving three houses2016
Lingrey Court
CB2 9JA

Case Study
Semi-detached 'Zero-carbon' concept house & family home. 2015Insulated panel construction, some triple-glazingSolar PV, heat recovery, heat-saving showerFSC-certified timber claddingWater-saving WCs, showers and bathsGreen roof, herbs, fruit and veg growing2015
Macfarlane Close
CB24 9LZ

Case Study
Detached1962Underfloor, 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 waterReclaimed wooden floors. Waste building materials from build re-used in garden structures.2017, 2018
Magnolia Close
CB1 9TU

Case Study
Detached2010Roof, walls, floors, triple glazing, air sealed entrance lobbyCondensing boiler, wood burner, solar PV, low energy bulbs, LEDs, underfloor heating, mechanical heat and ventilaton recoveryClay brick internal wall (thermal mass)Rainwater harvesting, water butts, low flush toilets2013
Melbourne Place
CB1 1EQ

Case Study
Terrace1840External wall, loft, underfloor, double glazing, air sealed windows/doors/letterboxSolar PV, thermostatic valves, LED bulbs, underfloor heating, air source heat pumpReused bricks, lead substitute flashing, FSC timberAerating taps, low flush toilets, rainwater harvesting2013
Midsummer Common
CB4 1HA

Case Study
Narrowboat2001Hull, spray-foamSolar PV, wind turbine, wood burning stove, LED bulbs2013
Milton Road
CB4 1SU

Case Study
Detached bungalow1927Ground floor, roof, external walls, double glazing and triple glazed roof windows, air sealed entrance lobbySolar PV, LED bulbs, heating controls, passive ventilation and heat recovery, underfloor heating, air source heat pumpRainwater harvesting2013
More Space, Less Energy
CB23

Case Study
Semi-detached, retrofit, Passivhaus extension, largely DIY1945External wall, underfloor, triple glazing, very high airtightnessSolar PV with diverter, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, modern boilertimber, low mass roof tiles, aerated block, wood cladding2019, 2020
Mowbray Road
CB1 7TG

Case Study
Detached newbuild PassivHaus standard home2015Wall and roof insulation, airtight structure.Mechanical ventilation & heat recoveryWood frame & walls. Recycled newspaper insulationRainwater harvesting for garden and WCs.Mechanical heat recovery filters pollen2015
Neville Road
CB1 3SW

Case Study
Substantial renovation with a clever mix of novel low cost DIY and standard insulation 1936External and internal wall, roof, storm porch, side extensionGarage mounted Solar PV array, appliance timers, solar gain and daylighting Carpet made from 80% recycled bottles, bamboo floor and kitchen worktopsFour water butts, rainwater container by kitchen sink for tasks not requiring tap waterRe-fill liquid cleaning materials, avoiding disposables and plastics2016
New Street
CB1 2QT

Case Study
Terrace1995Roof, loft, between floors, triple glazingCondensing boiler, solar thermal panels with thermal store, thermostatic valves, mechanical ventilation with heat recoveryLow water shower, toilet, and taps2013
Nightingale Avenue
CB1 8SG

Case Study
Detached1958Cavities, floors, roof, extension, draught proof entrance lobbyCondensing boiler, solar PV, solar thermal panel, heat recovery extractor fans, low energy bulbs, LEDsReclaimed flooringRainwater harvesting, aerated taps, dual low flush toilets2013
North Street
CB4 3QN

Case Study
Terrace2012Wall cavity, roof, floor, double glazing, non-opening windowsSolar PV, solar thermal, low energy bulbs, LEDs, air source heat pump, underfloor heatingLow flow taps2014
Nutters Close
CB3 9NS

Case Study
Detached2012Cavity and loft insulation, double and triple glazingAir source heat pump, underfloor heating, PV array, computer controlled lighting system, wood burning stovesCedar, oak, elm, Lake District slate, Hoskins 'Old Duxford' bricksWheelchair accessible ground floor cloakroom and
bedroom with wet-room. Landing library leading to cantilevered balcony
2018
Nuttings Road
CB1 3HU

Case Study
Extensive renovation completed over five years puts environment at heart of home 1950sCavity 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 fridge2015, 2016, 2019
Oxford Road
CB4 3PH

Case Study
Large house with multiple extensions and substantial renovations 1927Cavity and external solid wall insulation, underfloor, loft conversionSolar PV, zoned underfloor heating, LED lightingTimber framed windows (with aluminium cladding)Bathtub siphoningAdapting to use smaller A+ rated fridge2015, 2016, 2019
Perowne Street
CB1 2AY

Case Study
Retirement renovation and extension for comfort, light and easy mobility1890Internal and external wall insulation, underfloor, loftLEDs, 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 blinds2016
Rampton Drift
CB24 3EH

Case Study
Homes x12: Detached, Semi-Detached, Terrace1950s-70sExternal wall cavities filled and insulated, lofts, internal walls, air sealed entrance lobby/windows/external doorsCombination boilers, thermostatic radiator valves, solar thermal hot water system with thermal stores, mechanical ventilation with heat recoveryWeb based monitoring of gas and electricity usage, temperature, humidity and CO2 levels 2013
Rathmore Road
CB1 7AD

Case Study
Low energy new build built for beauty, sociability and minimum running costs2015Highly 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 staircase3000 ltr rainwater harvesting for toilets, fire sprinkler system and garden use Floor wash lighting with motion sensors, half-hour fire doors2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Richmond Road
CB4 3PT

Case Study
Terrace1896Exernal walls insulated internally, super insulated bathrooms, air sealed windows/doors, double/triple glazingCondensing boiler, wood burnerLime mortar external wallsAerating taps, dual low flush toilets2013
Ross Street
CB1 3BS

Case Study
Extended and renovated Edwardian terrace with emphasis on fair footprint living1912PUR aerogel, insulating render, blinds, double glazed windows and doors Wood burning stove, solar PV, LEDs, condensing boilerReused reclaimed and recycled fittings, cork tiles, UK wool carpetAerating taps, 'pulse eco' showerhead, dual flush toilet, water buttsRaised beds, covered ventilated 'shed' for storage and clothes drying 2016
Saint Barnabas Road
CB1 2BY

Case study
Semi-detached, highly-insulated home with low-carbon lifestyle1897Internal wall, roof, floor, double- and secondary-glazed sashesZone heating controls, woodstove, passive solarReused building materials and furnishingsWater butts, low water-consuming lifestyle2015
Saint John's Road
CB5 8AN

Case Study
Saint John's College University of Cambridge, sensitive and feature packed renovation of Regency house 1810Ground floor, internal wall, roof, double or secondary glazing throughoutHeat recovery extractor fans, LEDs, variable temperature heat controls, condensing boiler Full retrofit with new kitchens and bathrooms, daylight tubes.2016
Saint Margaret's Road
CB3 0LT

Case Study
Wide ranging renovation includes new passive ventilation heat recovery system1930External wall insulation for half of house, solid wall internal, underfloor, loft - floor and roof, cavity wall insulation of extensionsPassive ventilation with heat recovery, underfloor heatingLarge extension with passive solar gain and daylighting2016, 2017
Seymour Street
CB1 3DH

Case Study
Terrace1913Floor, roof, cavities filled, air sealed vents/chimneys/windows/doors, double glazingSolar PV, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, exhaust air heat recovery, heat saving thermal blinds2013
Silverdale Avenue
CB23 7PP

Case Study
Detached. Custom-built timber frame home and office in Coton2013External wall, roof, interfloor, triple glazingSolar PV, heat recovery, passive solarFSC timberDual flush toilets, water butt, water softener Flexible design for any future change of use2015
Silverwood Close
CB1 3HA

Case Study
Terrace1930sExternal wall, cavity, loft, roof, double glazing, radiator reflectorsCondensing boiler, low energy bulbs, solar thermal panels, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery, underfloor heatingRainwater harvesting2014, 2017
Stylish Low Energy Self-Build
CB1

Case Study
New-build, detached2018Structural insulated panels, floor, triple glazingUnderfloor heating, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, solar PV with Iboost diverterZinc, cedar, limestone, timber2018, 2020
The House Built in 3 Days
CB1

Case Study
Custom, factory-built timber house2015Roof & floor, wood fibre wall, triple glazing, electric & fixed shadingMechanical ventilation with heat recovery, underfloor heating, solar PV, solar cache PV hot water heating, wood stove, hot water circulation pumpWood frame, larch cladding, wood, no PVC, MDF, paint toxinsElectro-smog barrier2017-2020
Thoday Street
CB1 3AX

Case Study
A house for lovers of natural building materials.1919Visitors on 18th will see Hempcrete wall insulation in progress, double glazingSolar PV, Worcester condensing boiler with WAVE internet controlled programmerLime mortar re-pointing, Tadelakt plaster, eco-paintsCob oven in garden2016
Topcliffe Way
CB1 8SJ

Case Study
Extensive renovation to take control of energy bills 1963Cavity wall, loft and external wall, argon filled double glazingWoodstove, solar PV & thermal, DIY fitted mechanical ventilation with heat recoveryRainwater harvesting, DIY greywater toiletLow energy-consuming family living2015, 2016, 2017
Victorian Family Home with 21st Century Insulation
CB1

Case Study
Mid-terrace, retrofit1880s-90sInternal and external wall, external roof, underfloor, triple glazing, doorsCondensing gas boiler, solar PV with Iboost diverter, wireless thermostatic radiator valves, woodburner, renewable energy supplierRecycled slate, reused woodWater butt, low volume flush toilets2019, 2020
Woodlark Close
CB3 0HT

Case Study
Detached1930sInterior solid wall, loft, underfloor, double glazingWood burning stove, underfloor heating, LED lighting2014