Refurb & Restore Issue 29 2022 | Page 18

SUSTAINABLY RETROFITTING A NORTH LONDON APARTMENT

In 2020 , Christian Brailey began a project to refurbish and extend a traditional Edwardian property in North London , which was split into four apartments
“ We eliminated persistent damp and extreme mould using sustainable solutions – that was the key to the success of our retrofit project ,” says Christian Brailey , an experienced architect and owner of a newlyretrofitted North London apartment .
For Christian and his partner , Faye , a landscape designer , using sustainable and healthy materials , which would remedy and prevent the existing damp problem within the property , was key .
RESOLVING AND PREVENTING EXTREME DAMP
“ The condition of the existing building was very poor ,” explains Christian .
“ After years of water damage , the ceiling of the existing infill bathroom was black with mould . The property had very little ventilation , the windows were all single glazed , and the whole interior was generally damp . Overcoming these issues was the biggest challenge for us .
“ The property is also terraced , which meant we needed to improve the thermal performance of the building from the inside .”
INSULATING FROM THE INSIDE
“ After looking for sustainable products that would bond well with the existing building materials and address the range of issues within the apartment , we came across Lime Green ,” continues Christian .
“ Lime Green offered healthy and natural products , which could be used
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