Work has been progressing quickly at Grove Rd; recently the initial layer of insulation has been laid in the attic and the eaves of the property have been extended in order to accommodate the external wall insulation. A large part of the test with this particular retrofit project (and likewise the bere:architects’ Passfield Drive project) has been to overcome the challenge of carrying out the intrusive works while the resident’s continue to occupy their homes – this is an important part of proving the practical and economic viability of the retrofit scheme.

The O’Donnell’s dining room was temporarily out of bounds as the floor boards were carefully lifted and insulation was placed between the floor joists, however, despite this and the general disruption caused by the works the residents have remained relatively content with situation. As we left site the contractors were in the process of laying insulation beneath the floorboards of the remaining rooms at ground floor level.

Timbers have been added to the rafters to extend the eaves over the external insulation which will be being applied.

The photo above shows a geotextile membrane hung between the floor joists holding 150mm of mineral wool insulation – this detail was designed to offer high levels of insulation whilst maintaining a ventilated floor cavity and enables fast installation of the insulation so that the residents are disturbed for as short a duration as possible. The air-tightness in this area is maintained by installing 18mm chip board boards above the insulation which are then taped at all junctions (between boards and between the boards and the wall).

Kingspan boards between the extended rafters to provide extra insulation in this area.

Dan Gibbons, director at bere:architects, helps Mr O’Donnell install a new car battery.

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