The deep retrofit responds to the climate emergency through a holistic approach, where each measure works in concert with the next. Additional insulation and improved airtightness reduce heat loss, while the move away from gas to an air source heat pump – combined with PV and battery storage – supports the decarbonisation of the energy used. The result: a house that performs as well as it feels.
Natural wood-fibre insulation was used for its low embodied carbon and vapour-open properties. Externally, the extension is defined by the softness of the untreated timber cladding, contrasting with the sharp grey zinc to the flanks and dormers. Materials that reinforce durability, longevity, and the potential for future reuse or recycling. A sedum roof tops it off, visually extending the view from the office space to the wider landscape beyond the garden.
The indoor environment has also been transformed. A whole-house MVHR system ensures high air quality, while underfloor heating combined with high-performance glazing create year-round warmth and comfort. In-use data from the owner confirms an astonishing energy reduction of around 73% compared to the pre-retrofit baseline.
Lucēre has been restored. A home that sits comfortably within its suburban context, it quietly demonstrates how thoughtful design can revitalise, decarbonise, and regenerate an existing building – proving that quality architecture can enrich both people and planet.
