These flats were built as an early response to overcrowding, mostly in urban areas like London and Glasgow. Typically they have solid masonry walls, timber floors, single-glazed windows, chimney flues and open fireplaces (possibly still in use). They are around 4-6 storeys with no lift. The roof is likely to be pitched, and is also commonly formed of more than one pitch, sometimes ?sunken? behind the fa?ade of the frontage. With this type of property, there may be period features and issues about listed building and/or conservation area status.

Improving environmental performance

Energy

You can save energy through an integrated package of heating, insulation and ventilation improvements. Consider also passive solar gain, renewable energy technologies, lights and white goods. For an example of an energy saving package for this type of house, see the model.

Water

You can improve the water efficiency of this house type by looking at the following: WCs, baths, showers, taps, water butts, appliances, water recycling, drainage, and water advice.

Materials

You can improve environmental performance when selecting sustainable materials for windows and doors, insulating your building,  improving your sound insulation, painting and replacing flooring, fitting new kitchens and other furniture, replacing rainwater goods, rewiring or repairing or constructing new internal or external walls.

Waste

You can cut down the amount of waste when refurbishing this house type by looking at the following issues: brick and stone, timber, pvc and plastic, metal, roof tiles, glass, paint and garden waste. For information on householed recycling click here.

Health and wellbeing

You can improve the health and well being for residents living in this house type by using natural materials, improving warmth and ventilation, and adapting the house as household circumstances change.

Lifestyle

If you design and specify for environmental refurbishment using the advice above, you can help residents begin to live a more environmental lifestyle.  However, with a little bit of encouragement they could take action to do even more on energy, water, materials, and waste.

Case Studies

click here - Penwith Housing Association