Addressing damp was another priority. The exposed limestone walls were vulnerable to water penetration, so breathable masonry treatments were applied to prevent moisture ingress without trapping damp inside the building fabric. A hydrophobic silicone coating was also used on rendered sections of the house to improve weather resistance while maintaining breathability.
The property’ s thick stone walls naturally retain heat, but they can also cause overheating in summer. During the garage redevelopment, Will incorporated a terrace-top pool inspired by a project featured on Grand Designs. The evaporating water helps cool the front of the house during hot weather, improving comfort naturally.
Improving Energy Performance
Having addressed structural issues, Will turned his attention to sustainability. While he recognises that a Victorian home will never
perform like a modern Passivhaus, his goal is to bring it closer to current building standards wherever possible.
The most significant upgrade has been the installation of a solar energy system. Will runs a pharmaceutical business from home, including servers that operate continuously, making electricity consumption a major expense. Working with retrofit specialists Genous, he installed 16 solar panels across three roof locations, supported by a battery system housed in the new garage.
The system now powers both the household and business operations for much of the year. During summer months, solar generation is often sufficient to meet all electricity demands, while the battery provides additional resilience throughout the year.
An added benefit is the ability to monitor and record energy generation and consumption. This data enables Will to demonstrate the environmental credentials
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