Case Studies

Every retrofit journey is different, we’ve shared some stories

We’ve compiled a collection of diverse retrofit case studies to provide you with a firsthand look into the world of retrofitting. These aren’t glossy, sugar-coated narratives; they’re gritty, honest accounts of real people, real homes, and real transformations. From energy-efficient makeovers to eco-conscious decisions, these case studies capture the essence of the retrofitting experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the world of sustainable living, our case studies offer valuable insights. Explore the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned by individuals who embarked on their own retrofit journeys. No two stories are alike, but each one contributes to the collective knowledge that empowers us all to make informed choices for a greener, more sustainable future. Welcome to the heart of retrofit reality – let the case studies begin.

White female/ male couple drinking coffee with walking baby at their feet
Airtightness and ventilationDraughtproofingInternal wallsWindows and doors

Jack & Abigail’s Family Home Renovation

Find out how two Architects transformed a neglected 1905 Victorian terraced home in Bristol, room by room — improving energy performance, comfort, and wellbeing for their young family.

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Airtightness and ventilationDraughtproofingExternal wallsHeating and hot waterRoofs and loft spacesTechnology & Renewables

John & Kitty’s Cosy Cottage Upgrades

Find out how John & Kitty improved their insulation and heating system to save over £300 a year on their energy bills.

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Bald, bearded man playing games console and brunette woman reading book, sat on grey sofa in green living room. Woman has feet up on a footstool and the pair are talking and smiling at each other.
Airtightness and ventilationDraughtproofingExternal wallsRoofs and loft spacesWindows and doors

Laura & Nic’s Fabric Update to 1960s Family Home

How insulation, draughtproofing and ventilation transformed a 1960s semi-detached house in South Gloucestershire.

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A couple laughing on the sofa in their newly renovated home
External wallsHeating and hot waterRoofs and loft spacesTechnology & Renewables

Kamilla and Duncan’s Whole House Renovation

Kamilla and Duncan renovated their whole Victorian Terraced House, installing many energy-efficiency measures.

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Heating and hot waterRoofs and loft spaces

Kirk Goes Fully Electric with a Heat Pump

Kirk replaced his old gas boiler with a heat pump, saving money on energy bills and going fully electric.

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Heating and hot waterRenewables and storage

Solar, Heat Pump & Battery Storage: Matt’s Eco-System

Read how Matt’s heat pump installation went, implementing a system including solar and battery storage too.

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External walls

Matt’s Insulation Transformation

External wall insulation looks neat and can elevate the exterior look of a house. But is it effective? Here’s Matt’s personal experience with the challenges and results of installing EWI in his 1930s home.

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DraughtproofingHeating and hot waterRenewables and storageRoofs and loft spaces

Chris and Catherine’s Green Cottage Evolution 

Over a decade, Chris and Catherine’s heating and solar power upgrades have made their cottage cosy, efficient and increased their energy independence.

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a laughing couple sat holding mugs on a minimalist wooden sideboard.
External wallsHeating and hot waterRoofs and loft spacesTechnology & RenewablesWindows and doors

Hugo and Mary’s House Extension with a Heat Pump

Hugo and Mary’s experience extending their Victorian property with insulation, glazing and an air source heat pump.

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Smiling woman holding a hot drink in front of her light, clean kitchen
Heating and hot waterInternal wallsTechnology & RenewablesWindows and doors

Katherine’s Smart Switch to a Greener Home

In 2022, Katherine transformed her flat using a handful of retrofit measures. Her sustainable journey resulted in a more comfortable home using an air source heat pump, internal wall insulation, triple-glazing and more.

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Rachel standing in her kitchen
Airtightness and ventilationHeating and hot waterInternal wallsTechnology & RenewablesWindows and doors

Rachel’s Journey to a Low Carbon Home

Rachel and her husband began their eco-friendly home renovation in 2021 with guidance from Futureproof, focusing on low-carbon solutions like external wall insulation, solar panels, and an air source heat pump.

Read Rachel's Story
man smiling, holing a mug of tea, sat on a blue sofa in a clean and minimalist home.
Heating and hot waterInternal wallsWindows and doors

First-time buyer Roy Renovates his Bungalow in Southville

Roy and his partner purchased their family home back in 2016. A few years later they decided to renovate and completely transform it. They installed a heat pump, cavity & wall insulation and new secondary glazing on all their windows.

Read Roy's Story
Victorian Mansion
Airtightness and ventilationHeating and hot waterRoofs and loft spaces

Simon & Rah transform a Victorian mansion into a net-zero living space

Rah and Simon transformed their family’s forever home into a model of energy efficiency, aiming for net-zero targets despite initial challenges. Overcoming objections, they set a legal precedent to install solar panels, paving the way for self-generated electricity.

Read Simon & Rah's Story
A red brick, detached home, about 30 years old with a front garden and garage.
DraughtproofingHeating and hot waterRenewables and storageTechnology & Renewables

Alastair & Helen’s Energy Efficient Home

After previously retrofitting their previous home, Alastair and Helen were driven to have their new home running as cleanly as possible. They installed solar panels, a battery, heat pump, new radiators, a smart hot water cylinder, and an EV charger.

Read Alastair & Helen's Story
bungalow with solar panels on the roof
Heating and hot waterInternal wallsRoofs and loft spacesTechnology & RenewablesWindows and doors

Mike & Mandy’s long term retrofit

Since purchasing their 1960’s bungalow in 2015, the couple has changed the internal layout to include a conversion of a carport, installed an air source heat pump, solar PV and battery storage. The windows, doors, and insulation have also been improved.

Read Mike & Mandy's Story
Hemma's house who has had a heat pump installed - Retrofit West
Heating and hot waterRenewables and storageWindows and doors

Hemma’s heat pump reduced her energy usage

Hemma and her partner Tim embarked on a comprehensive renovation project at Hillside Road. The project included the installation of an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and involved extensive DIY efforts, including, underfloor heating, new windows, and additional insulation.

Read Hemma’s story
A 2 bed Georgian flat in Bristol - Retrofit West
DraughtproofingInternal wallsWindows and doors

Rob made his Georgian flat warmer for tenants

Rob owns a first floor flat in Clifton, which has historically been a very cold and draughty home. Determined to improve its energy efficiency and comfort, Rob undertook several modifications, including draft-proofing, secondary glazing on the sash windows, and internal insulation.

Read Rob’s story
Mum and two children sitting with their Shiba Inu on the sofa - Retrofit West

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