Coming Together To Make Primrose Hill’s Historic Homes More Energy Efficient

 
 

In 2022 I met a Swedish family who lived in a grade II listed house in Chalcot Square. I asked them how they found the house. They said ‘we love living here, it's beautiful. But it is cold!’. They pointed to the electric heater that was on full blast next to the single-glazed French doors.

According to a Nesta study the UK has some of the oldest and coldest housing stock in Europe [1]. Primrose Hill is no exception, having been developed as a London suburb between 1845 - 1870.

Clearly upgrades are needed, but how do we do this without losing the special character of our beautiful neighbourhood?


As an architect and co-founder of Space A, I have worked with local residents on their home improvement projects for a number of years.

Like many people, we love Primrose Hill for its beautifully proportioned streets and we enjoy working with people to transform their buildings into personal homes.

 Yet many residents are facing a dilemma - they want to preserve the authenticity of their historic homes but also want a comfortable internal environment, reduce their energy bills whilst also doing their bit for the climate emergency. When exploring ways to upgrade, they face a process that is lengthy, opaque and disproportionately expensive.

Luckily, in Primrose Hill there is a strong community who are already active in this arena and motivated to create collective change. In November 2022 the Primrose Hill Conservation Area Committee organised an open day to discuss practical, tested methods to upgrade homes to be more energy efficient.

Continuing this momentum, therefore, is vital. Here are my upgrade tips, listed from easiest to hardest :

1. Easy wins (i.e maximise what you have got)

Ensure your appliances are energy efficient, update light bulbs, simple draught proofing around windows and doors, filling cracks (being careful to avoid condensation risks) and chimney voids are essential first checks. Additions such as reflective radiator panels, fleece lining and pelmets to curtains, and thermal underlays to rugs and carpets all help preserve heat.

2.Evaluate your energy use patterns

Everyone feels ‘cosy’ in different ways - some enjoy curling up in a heated chair in upholstered fluffy fabric with a cuppa, others need the thermostat way up to feel relaxed at home. Of course, it is far more efficient to heat the direct space around a body than a whole void.

Small changes in how we heat our homes can make a big difference - this can be helped by a well programmed heating system (and might negate the need for a big building project).

 

3. More significant upgrades - start with an energy plan

All energy upgrades are interdependent so it’s vital you look at the whole picture as patch upgrades might do more harm than good.

Speaking to Richard Simpson, the chair of the Primrose Hill Conservation Area Advisory Committee (PHCAAC), he strongly advised that “an energy plan should be the first step of every home renovation.”
They cost around £470 and can be arranged from companies such as Ecofurb [2].

4. Upgrading your energy source

Installing an air source heat pump can be extremely effective (most are at least three times more efficient than boilers) but require planning permission plus some upfront capital cost (which can be offset by current government grants[3]). Technology is improving daily - heat pumps can now work well even with limited insulation[4] and hotter heat pumps are coming on the market.

They also come in reversible models which give you the benefit of air conditioning, although a credible need for active cooling must be proven for a listed building before permission will be granted. Heat pump condensing units must be placed in locations where the noise and visual amenity are minimised, yet - there are smaller models out there that don’t require an external condensing unit.

Solar panels are possible in non-listed buildings but their positioning must be carefully considered to not impact the conservation area - in recent years PV tiles for slate roofs provide exciting possibilities.

 

5. Upgrading the building ‘jacket’ to keep in heat

Physical upgrades, like adding extra insulation or upgrading the windows, are highly dependent on if your building is listed or in a conservation area.
Permissions from Camden Planning will need to be sought in many cases (definitely for listed fabric) where protected, original features that contribute to a building or street’s ‘unique character’ are at risk from new works. It's worth stressing however, that this should not necessarily be a deterrent - conservation teams generally encourage careful energy efficient upgrades.

Here are a few ideas for upgrades to heritage fabric :

●         Windows upgrades are a good area to focus as the upgrades can be less invasive than insulating and technology in slim double glazing and evacuated glass are great at heat saving whilst being in-keeping with the historic setting. Secondary glazing is an option for original windows but all fabrication details will need to be signed off by the council.

●         Insulating under the roof is a winner and will increase performance.

●         When internally insulating (external insulation will likely not be possible in PH) - using an insulating plaster made with lime, cork and loam (as an example) can promote moisture control with a wall.

●         A new extension might give you the opportunity to improve performance - a well-designed addition can complement the original building.

 

Potential upgrades to heritage fabric

The updating of PH’s buildings in a productive and sensitive way is paramount, and by working together to share local knowledge and practical examples this movement can only grow.

After the open day in 2022 there were discussions on running an open house in Primrose Hill (such as through ‘Green Open Home’[5]). There was also talk on running an exhibition of products (PV slates, slimlite double glazing) with experts to explain potential applications.

We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, & watch this space for more to follow in 2025 and beyond.

Amelia, Architect & Co-Founder of Space A

 
Anna Drakes