Get in touch

Submit

Thank you for getting in touch. We will be in contact shortly.

Project Partners and Funding

Keegans are working with our sister company ,ECD Architects, on the retrofit of 302 homes on the Netherfield Estate in Milton Keynes. The homes are owned by the council, but we are working for Mears Group, who are appointed to deliver this retrofit, which has funding through the SHDF Wave 1. We supported Mears in their successful bid and are now involved in detailed design work. The homes were built in the 1970s and are timber framed.

 

Initial Assessments and Energy Modeling

Initial dimensional surveys accompanied by Retrofit Assessments of the homes and some limited opening up works gave us a good understanding of the construction and condition of the flats and houses, as well as their occupants. This allowed us to start initial energy modelling of archetypes, to understand the areas of the buildings’ fabric that were losing most heat, and hence where our attention should be focussed. While all homes have been modelled in SAP, we also checked a few properties in more detail using PHPP. A particular benefit of this was in creating clear graphical output demonstrating the energy reduction impact of the proposed measures.

Design Solutions and Client Collaboration

This meant we could discuss stages of retrofit and options with the client at an early stage, with proposals backed up by actual energy savings. We looked at the cumulative impact of a range of measures, as well as options for some elements of the design. Along with our sister company, ECD Architects, we provided two designs for the rear façade, providing both energy saving and costs information for the works, allowing the client to make an informed decision.

 

Heritage Considerations and Planning

The Netherfield Estate is a non-designated heritage asset, so we have actively engaged with the local authority planning department, including their Conservation Officer, to find the best way to provide warmer homes, that are cheaper to heat, without damaging the appearance and consistency of the estate as a whole.

 

Key Outcomes and Benefits

  • Energy Efficiency: Significant improvements in energy performance and reduction in heat loss.
  • Cost Savings: Detailed cost and energy savings analysis provided to the client.
  • Heritage Preservation: Retrofit measures designed to enhance homes without compromising the estate's historical value.

 

Conclusion

The Netherfield Estate retrofit project is a prime example of how innovative design and careful planning can achieve sustainability goals while respecting heritage. By improving energy efficiency for 302 homes, Keegans and ECD Architects are contributing to a greener future for Milton Keynes.

Continue reading about Netherfield Estate Retrofit: Decarbonising 302 Homes | KeegansRead less

Get in touch

Submit

Thank you for getting in touch. We will be in contact shortly.