Breathing New Life into Old Homes with Retrofit

Phew, this week has been a whirlwind! But before I get sucked back into the vortex of deadlines, let me share a cool find from a recent site visit. 

Just a bit of stone?

See this beauty? It’s a corbel stone block, proper name is a ‘kneeler’, perched proudly at roof level on a project we just started. It’s part of an old house, and I’m a sucker for these unique details you only get in historical gems. Sure, they add a layer of complexity when it comes to drawing stuff, but that character is worth the extra effort. 

Speaking of complexity, this project throws a whole new challenge our way. Solid walls, lots of stone – sounds charming, right? Well, the previous owners, bless their hearts, weren’t big fans of “breathable” materials. The result? A damp, chilly house that needs some serious TLC. 

Bringing new life to old buildings, the right way

That’s where we come in. We’re talking a sensitive retrofit, using materials that let the house breathe again. Think cozy, dry, and warm – a complete 180 from its current state. 

But revamping historical buildings takes special skills. That’s why I’m currently diving into the PAS 2035 Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings. I stumbled upon it on the AECB website (check them out, they’re awesome!), and with more and more of our projects leaning towards the historical side, it felt like a perfect fit. Plus, most of it’s funded by the government, which is always a win! 

Honestly, retrofitting is booming. People are more aware and passionate about doing right by these old beauties. We’re seeing a surge in inquiries, all focused on one thing: bringing new life to old buildings, the right way. And that’s a movement I’m excited to be a part of. 

Thinking of upgrading?

So, what about you? Are you considering giving your old home a sustainable makeover? Send me a message and let’s chat about how we can breathe new life into your historical gem!