Images Credit: Matthew Smith Architectural Photography / www. msap. co. uk
BLENDING TRADITION WITH INNOVATION: A SUSTAINABLE EDWARDIAN COTTAGE RENOVATION IN SAFFRON WALDEN
Modernising Historic Homes with a Sustainable Focus.
Modernising traditional buildings can be challenging. But with the right choice of windows and doors, even historic properties can become significantly more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
The owners of Rakefriars Cottage in Saffron Walden, Essex, wanted to renovate their period home not only to create more usable space, but also to improve its energy efficiency.
Balancing Heritage and Modern Needs
It was essential to the client that the windows and doors reflected both their needs and the character of the building. Both we and the client were committed to preserving the cottage’ s heritage.
okoHaus UK Limited worked closely with architect Norton Studio and contractor Ekins to supply Rationel windows and doors that didn’ t just meet the brief – they exceeded it.
Reimagining the Edwardian Layout
This Edwardian cottage was originally a modest two-up, twodown layout with a downstairs bathroom. That setup no longer suited the needs of Lesley, the owner.
The renovation required ensuite bathrooms for the upstairs bedrooms, along with a more open and spacious living area, including an open-plan kitchen.
Designing for Energy Efficiency
Improving the building’ s overall energy performance was a key objective. The main challenge was to modernise the layout and comfort of the cottage while retaining its original character.
The Role of the Extension
Architect Adam Grant proposed a two-storey side extension – this created space for en-suites for the bedrooms upstairs.
Downstairs, the extension added a generous porch. The existing ground-floor bathroom was reconfigured into a shower room. This freed up space for a larger kitchen and an open-plan living area.
A Sustainable Approach to Building
Throughout the planning and design process, sustainability remained a priority. The extension was designed to complement the historic cottage using traditional flintwork, alongside modern, eco-friendly materials such as wood fibre insulation.
Traditional building methods, including lime-based renders, were also used. All materials were breathable and natural to promote the long-term health of the building while meeting modern environmental standards.
Upgrading Windows and Doors A key part of the renovation was the replacement of all windows and doors. Lesley chose the Rationel FormaPlus range: triple-glazed, aluminium-clad timber units that achieve an impressive 0.79W / m 2 K whole window U value..
These offer excellent thermal performance with minimal maintenance. The traditional styling of the windows and doors suits the character of a British cottage.
The addition of classic glazing bars adds timeless charm, particularly to the new patio doors at the rear of the property.
Supplier Insight
John Lewis of okoHaus, who supplied and installed the windows and doors, shared his thoughts:
“ We love working with Rationel products because they offer the perfect balance of cost, low maintenance, and high performance. The U-values are excellent, and the reliability means very few after-sales issues. Our experience with specifying and fitting Rationel allows us to complete projects smoothly and to a very high standard.”
If you’ d like to explore whether the Rationel FormaPlus range is the right fit for your new build or renovation, please get in touch. We’ d love to hear from you.
01473 550514 www. okoHaus. co. uk
46- REFURB & RESTORE