As certified Passivhaus designers, we bring a technical depth and design clarity to sustainable building. We specialise in creating homes that are not only beautiful and contemporary but also grounded in the principles of green architecture, natural materials, and energy performance.

This guide outlines the key principles of sustainable home refurbishment—and how these approaches benefit both the planet and the people who live in the buildings we shape.

Why Sustainability Matters

Buildings are responsible for around 40% of global carbon emissions—both from the energy used to operate them (operational carbon) and from the materials and construction processes involved (embodied carbon). Retrofitting existing homes and building smart, low-energy extensions is one of the most effective ways homeowners can contribute to fighting climate change.

But sustainability isn’t just about carbon. It’s also about health, comfort, economic resilience, and long-term value. Our approach puts all of these elements at the core of every design.

Key Principles of Sustainable Refurbishment and Retrofit

1. Fabric-First Design

The most effective way to improve your home’s energy performance is to reduce heat loss through the building fabric—walls, roofs, floors, windows, and doors. A “fabric-first” approach prioritises:

• Continuous insulation using breathable, low-impact materials like wood fibre or hemp

• Airtight construction to eliminate drafts and uncontrolled heat loss

• High-performance glazing tailored to orientation and solar gain

• Thermal bridge-free detailing for consistent performance

This approach reduces your need for heating and cooling—and forms the foundation for low-energy living.

2. Reducing Embodied Carbon

Embodied carbon refers to the emissions associated with the production, transport, and installation of building materials. Minimising it is crucial in sustainable design—especially when working on existing homes.

At Material Works, we favour natural, regenerative, and low-carbon materials such as:

• Timber (from certified sustainable sources)

• Lime plasters and renders

• Cork and cellulose insulation

• Reclaimed or locally sourced materials

These materials not only reduce emissions but also promote a healthier indoor environment by being breathable, non-toxic, and durable.

3. Operational Energy Efficiency

Beyond insulation and materials, we design homes to perform efficiently in operation, using technologies such as:

• Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) for fresh air and reduced heating demand

• Air source or ground source heat pumps

• Photovoltaic panels (solar PV) for renewable electricity

• Battery storage and smart controls to manage energy use efficiently

As Passivhaus-trained architects, we use detailed energy modelling to ensure your home performs as promised—not just in theory, but in practice.

4. Healthy Living Environments

Sustainability is about people as much as the planet. Poor air quality, damp, and inconsistent temperatures are common in older homes and can significantly impact health.

We design for wellbeing with:

• Natural materials that regulate humidity and avoid VOCs

• Controlled ventilation for constant fresh air

• Daylight-optimised layouts to boost mood and productivity

• Acoustic insulation for quiet, peaceful interiors

Sustainable homes are healthier homes—and that’s something every resident can feel and appreciate.

5. Climate Resilience and Adaptability

With rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting environmental conditions, homes must be future-ready. That means designing for:

• Overheating prevention through shading, thermal mass, and ventilation

• Flood and moisture resistance with appropriate detailing

• Flexible spaces that adapt to changing needs over time

Our retrofit strategies are built to last, ensuring comfort, durability, and adaptability in a changing climate.

The Economic Benefits of Sustainable Design

Investing in sustainable refurbishment is not just about doing the right thing—it’s also a smart financial decision:

• Lower energy bills through reduced heating and electricity demand

• Increased property value as buyers and renters prioritise energy efficiency and comfort

• Future-proofing against energy price volatility and regulatory tightening

• Low maintenance costs with durable, natural materials designed to last

Many sustainable upgrades also qualify for government incentives, tax breaks, or grants, which we can help you explore as part of our service.

Our Design Approach: Craft, Clarity and Carbon Reduction

At Material Works, sustainability is never a bolt-on or an aesthetic gesture—it’s integrated into every design decision we make. Our work combines:

• Technical expertise: We understand the detail, from thermal bridging to dew point analysis

• Creative intelligence: We craft refined, modern spaces with a focus on light, flow and tactility

• Sustainable integrity: We prioritise low-carbon, natural materials and energy-efficient systems

• Collaborative delivery: We guide you through the process clearly and professionally

Whether you’re extending a period home, reimagining a 1960s bungalow, or retrofitting a listed building, we bring experience, creativity, and commitment to every project.

Ready to Make Your Home Sustainable?

If you’re thinking about adapting your home and want to do it in a way that’s environmentally responsible, healthy, and beautifully crafted, we’d love to help.

Contact Material Works to arrange an initial conversation. We’ll guide you through the potential of your home—how it can be transformed to reduce emissions, increase comfort, and provide lasting value for you and the planet.