8:29am Wednesday 8th April 2009
By Helen Mead
When we think of ‘green’ houses, we imagine new-build properties, conceived with eco-friendly features in mind.
But, as we regularly see on TV’s Grand Designs, there is no reason why an existing, older dwelling cannot be turned into a sustainable dwelling.
In Bradford, careful thought and hard work has resulted in two outstanding examples of such a transformation.
Victor Road and Heaton Road in Manningham are home to two Victorian houses – one back-to-back – that have been regenerated for 21st century eco-living, with features that would excite Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud.
The homes were revamped following a competition organised by Bradford Council with Accent Regeneration, to redesign the properties to demonstrate how old houses can provide a more contemporary way of living. Entries came in from all over the world, with the project being awarded to a young Manchester-based architectural practice, Green Cities.
“It took two-and-a-half years and a lot of work, from the idea to fruition,” says Adam Varley, housing regeneration manager for Bradford Council.
A spacious family home, the Victor Road end-terrace home had been divided into three flats. It was derelict, having been empty for around 20 years. “It is a lot more environmentally-friendly to bring it back to use,” says Adam.
It was redesigned as a four-bedroom home with its hub around the kitchen/dining area.
The house was damp-proofed and floors treated to kill off a common beetle infestation. New windows were made from factory-coated engineered softwood from European rather than tropical forests, with wood frames from managed, renewable forests being more eco-friendly than PVC and aluminium.
Natural slate was used to re-roof the property, with existing tiles being used where possible. Solar panels on the south-facing roof will provide much of the domestic hot water supply – a typical system supplies between 50 and 70 per cent of annual requirements, with 90 per cent in summer, 50 in spring and 20 in winter. “On sunny winter days, this figure would be boosted,” says Adam.
Care has been taken to draught-proof both houses. Expanding foam has been used around newly-fitted doors and windows to close all gaps between frames and walls. Seals have been fitted to all windows, external doors, and disused fireplaces were sealed.
The Heaton Road two-bedroom back-to-back offered a unique opportunity to work creatively in a smaller area.
An A-rated, energy-efficient condensing combi-boiler has been installed to supply hot water for heating and use in bathrooms and kitchens. In each room, thermostatic radiator valves allow the temperature to be set, meaning that radiators can be turned down or shut off when rooms are not in use. Research has shown that heating bills can be cut by 30 per cent if the internal temperature is lowered from 21 to 18 degC.
A gas fire with an efficiency of 76 per cent has been fitted in the living room, giving the option to heat it only on cool days.
The project was funded by Bradford Council in partnership with Accent Regeneration, a key aim being not only eco-friendliness, but to bring empty homes back into use.
“It is, in itself, a green issue,” says Jennie Stepford, environmental health officer with Bradford Council. “It can be tricky bringing older buildings up to modern standards, but re-using buildings if possible, makes sense in terms of sustainability.”
In both properties, eco-wool insulation – made from polyester, 85 per cent of which is recycled milk bottles – has been used to insulate between rafters in the roof and joists in suspended timber floors. Every tonne of plastic milk bottles recycled for eco-wool saves one-and-a-half tonnes of carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
The stone walls were insulated internally with foil-backed rigid foam which keeps out condensation.
All lamps at both homes, except recessed down-lighters, have been fitted with energy-saving compact fluorescent lights which use between 75 and 80 per cent less electricity than conventional bulbs and last much longer.
Both homes are to be let and, to help residents save water, flow restrictors have been fitted to the basin taps in all bathrooms. These screw on to the end of the tap and reduce the amount of water flowing out when the taps are open.
Toilets in the properties are dual-flush, with two buttons. When only a small flush is needed, two litres of water can be saved.
Adds Adam: “We held open days for the homes and gave away special bags that can be used in ordinary toilet cisterns to reduce the amount of water used.”
The open days attracted not only local people, but curious visitors from across the city.
“People were extremely interested. Particularly in the solar heating system,” says Jennie. “Some people came for ideas – they wanted to make their own homes as green as possible. We also has visits from architects and other professionals working in the housing industry. ”
The garden at Heaton Road has been transformed into a green haven, with softwood being used for decking rather than tropical hardwoods, which could impact on the rainforest. “At both homes, we have kept areas of paving to a minimum to allow rainwater to drain away,” says Adam.
Eco-friendliness reaches as far as the bathroom cupboard doors in the properties, which are made from recycled plastic cups, and carpets are made from the plant fibre sisal.
High-density living, easy access to facilities and the re-use of historic structures are sustainable and offer the potential for a small carbon footprint.
“As well as being sustainable, the idea was to inspire the community and show people the fantastic things they can do with their own homes – they don’t need swanky apartments in Lister’s Mill.” Adam says.
“They are among the greenest homes in Bradford – the standard achieved is higher than that required of a new build, and any lessons we have learned, we will pass on in an advisory capacity.”
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