Home / Sustainability, Climate & Building Performance
Residential Retrofit
20 Case Studies
by Marion Baeli · 1st Edition · 2013 · RIBA Publishing
Architectural case-study book Sustainability, Climate & Building Performance Building Retrofit, Energy Efficiency & Renovation Advanced
A practical collection of 20 residential retrofit case studies showing how existing houses can be upgraded for improved energy efficiency, comfort and environmental performance without necessarily replacing the original buildings.
Field Metadata
Title Residential Retrofit
Subtitle 20 Case Studies
Author/Editor Marion Baeli
Publication Type Architectural case-study book
Edition 1st Edition
Year 2013
Publisher RIBA Publishing
ISBN (Print) 9781859465011
ISBN (eBook) 9781000705157
Language English
Slug residential-retrofit-20-case-studies-marion-baeli
Summary
Marion Baeli examines residential retrofit through examples of UK housing from different periods, including pre-1919 and post-1919 properties. The case studies explore the challenges of improving older buildings, selecting appropriate interventions and coordinating technical upgrades.
The book also compares strategies involving windows, airtightness, mechanical and electrical systems, ventilation, occupant comfort, construction skills, planning and costs. Drawings, photographs, diagrams and performance-related information help connect design decisions with real project outcomes.
Key takeaways
- Retrofitting existing buildings can extend their useful life and reduce the need for demolition and replacement.
- Energy performance depends on the interaction of the building envelope, windows, ventilation and building services.
- Airtightness and insulation should be considered alongside indoor air quality and moisture management.
- Occupant behaviour and comfort are important when evaluating retrofit success.
- Existing buildings require context-sensitive solutions rather than a single universal retrofit strategy.
- Planning, cost, construction skills and coordination influence the feasibility of retrofit projects.
CreaCore Insight
The most valuable lesson is that sustainability is not only about designing new green buildings; it is also about improving the buildings that already exist. A successful retrofit balances energy performance, occupant comfort, durability, cost and the character of the original building.
For Bangladesh, this approach can inform the renovation of existing homes through improved shading, roof insulation, natural ventilation, efficient openings, moisture control and selective building-services upgrades.
Practical application
Residential assessment: Document the existing building’s orientation, envelope, openings, ventilation and energy use before proposing interventions.
Climate-responsive renovation: Evaluate external shading, solar heat gain, roof heat transfer and cross-ventilation for local climatic conditions.
Retrofit strategy: Compare alternative interventions based on cost, expected performance, constructability and maintenance.
Post-occupancy evaluation: Review indoor temperatures, humidity, ventilation and resident feedback after renovation.
Design documentation: Use plans, sections, construction details and performance comparisons to communicate proposed improvements.
Good to know
Who it's for: Architects, sustainable-design professionals, building technologists, architecture students, retrofit consultants and homeowners
ISBN: 9781859465011
Topics
Residential Retrofit Low-Energy Buildings Building Renovation Energy Performance Thermal Comfort Airtightness Ventilation Building Fabric Sustainable Housing Existing Buildings