This retrofit proposal consists of four elements: insulated rainscreen cladding, extrusions, internal reconfiguration and a new roof structure.

The existing brick cavity wall structure is clad externally with a ventilated rainscreen formed of Eternit Natura cement board panels. The panels are supported on a metal cladding rail, to which the panels are structurally bonded. The panels are through coloured and each dwelling is finished in a slightly different colour. This creates a degree of individuality for each dwelling with the continuous flush surface of the building's new skin.

A high level of thermal insulation is incorporated in the void between the new cladding panels and the external wall. Advantages of the external cladding system are that high levels of thermal insulation can be incorporated, there is no loss of internal floor area and the potential thermal mass of the existing masonry walls remains available.

Window openings are retained, but new triple glazed timber windows are installed in them. Each property has a new framed picture window to the front, creating a window seat and introducing depth to the façade.

Each property receives an extrusion to the front and rear. The extrusions are clad in zinc and lined with timber. The small extrusion to the front of each property creates a generous entrance porch. Each extrusion roof cantilevers forward to announce the entrance and create a protective canopy.

New extrusions to the rear of each property create a more open relationship with the private gardens. These will take the form of a frame of zinc, shared between neighbouring properties. The extrusion provides a slim section of additional space, creating a more generous kitchen/dining room, suitable for contemporary family living. A sliding folding screen of glazed doors creates a strong visual and spatial connection with the rear garden.

The internal spaces are broadly divided into two zones:

• circulation and servicing. The front extrusion corresponds to the circulation and servicing zone. At ground floor level a continuous timber clad element contains the staircase, living room shelving and storage while within, the WC and utility spaces are contained.
• living spaces. General lifestyle changes over recent years have led to more people working from home; a greater emphasis is placed on open plan living space and in particular kitchens moving to the heart of the home and a greater connection between interior and exterior space.

»Lifetime Homes Principles
Although not a new build project, Lifetime Homes principles inform the design and provide flexibility and adaptability for changing needs. These consider flexibility and adaptability, and are aimed at helping those coping with illness or reduced mobility in later life:

• access from car parking. The approach from the car parking to the house will be level.
• approach gradients. All approaches are gently sloping or level.
• entrances. The front extrusions provide a cover to the entrance, are illuminated and have a level threshold with a 1200 mm by 1200 mm external landing.
• doorways and hallways. Front entrance doors have 850 mm clear opening. All internal doors have 800 mm clear openings. There is a 300 mm nib to the leading edge of all doors at entrance level.
• wheelchair accessibility. A turning circle of 1500 mm diameter is provided in the living room and kitchen. The larger bedrooms have the same turning circle.
• living room. The living room is at entrance level.
• entrance level bed space. Space exists in the living space that is appropriate for use as a convenient bed space.
• entrance level WC and shower. A wheelchair accessible WC at entrance level with drainage provisions for a shower to be fitted in the future.
• bathroom and WC walls. Walls to the bathroom and WCs are lined in plywood so that they are capable of taking adaptations such as handrails.
• stair lift/through floor lift. A distance of 900 mm clear between the stair wall and the opposite handrail, with
• unobstructed landings at the top and bottom of the stairs. A space has been identified for a through-the floor lift from the living space to a bedroom adjacent to a bathroom.
• tracking hoist route. A route is available for a potential hoist from the larger first floor bedroom to the bathroom.
• bathroom layout. The bathroom is designed to incorporate ease of access to the bath, toilet and washbasin.
• controls, fixtures and fittings. Switches, sockets and services controls are mounted at a height between 450 mm and 1200 mm from the floor.

»The Roof
The existing roof is replaced with a new structure. The form of this structure creates additional living accommodation, private outdoor spaces that take advantage of sun throughout the day and into the evening, and opportunities to locate solar and photovoltaic panels.

The new construction is clad in zinc and 'super insulated', and is constructed using the Pro Clima system, an 'intelligent' airtight and windtight building solution.

Warmcel insulation, which is made from recycled waste newspaper, is used in the roof structure. It has extremely low embodied energy and maintains breathability.

The form of the roof is conceived to allow each dwelling to have a location that is appropriate for solar panels. The roof therefore takes the form of a sawtooth, pitched to a southerly aspect. The angle is set to take advantage of winter and summer sun.

Each slope is of a sufficient area to locate a thirtytube solar hot water panel and two photovoltaic panels.

Rainwater from the roofs of each property is harvested in tanks under each garden for use in WCs.

New paving is of the permeable type, reducing the impact of the rainwater runoff on the sewers.

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