BEFORE

PROJECT CONRAD

Project Conrad, as featured on Grand Designs began with a home in disrepair, plagued by rainwater seeping inside, freezing cold winters, stifling hot summers, and poor air quality due to mould issues and air infiltration through the building fabric. Thanks to a Passivhaus retrofit—the most stringent building method in the world—Project Conrad now maintains a comfortable temperature between 18 and 25 degrees year-round, using 90% less energy. This retrofit method achieves this lofty criteria with the combination of five key principles: airtightness, proper continuous insulation, thermal bridge-free design, high-performance doors and windows, and a heat recovery ventilation system (HRV). Unlike conventional homes, there are no drafts or temperature fluctuations, ensuring a quiet and peaceful living environment. With the sun’s help, the home largely heats, cools, and ventilates itself, maintaining a consistent indoor air temperature.

The project also emphasised the reuse of materials on site. Bricks were repurposed, battens were turned into cladding, and hardwood studs were transformed into feature panelling and fencing pickets. Roof beams found new life as window sills and floating shelves. These efforts not only reduced waste and embodied energy but also added unique character and history to the home, showcasing a commitment to material reuse and creativity in design.

Since moving into our newly retrofitted home, we have been pleasantly surprised by the profound impact on our overall health and quality of sleep. The consistent indoor temperatures and enhanced air quality have eliminated the cold-related issues and allergies we previously faced. We no longer experience drafts or temperature fluctuations, which has resulted in a quieter and more peaceful living environment. The advanced noise reduction technology and constant supply of fresh, filtered air from the HRV system have significantly improved our mental clarity and overall well-being. Each morning, we wake up feeling refreshed and energised, truly experiencing the benefits of living in a well-designed, sustainable home. Project Conrad has exceeded our expectations, demonstrating that sustainable building practices can significantly enhance both comfort and health.