The design of this type of UK home has not changed radically for 70 years. It began in the second half of the 1930s, and was expanded with the introduction of the ?Parker Morris? standards after the World War II.  These cavity-wall homes are often brick-built, with pitched roofs, possibly with some insulation fitted later. The windows (typically timber framed) could also have been replaced.  Earlier versions may have fireplaces.  The floors are concrete on the ground with timber upstairs, though earlier examples especially have a mixture of solid floor to the kitchen area, with suspended timber for the rest of the ground floor.  The kitchen and bathroom are likely to be in the main body of the house.

 Some homes may have been built in various different ways including pre-cast or in-situ concrete, timber, steel or occasionally iron structures, aluminium or volumetric  systems. Green Street does not deal with these ?non-traditional? houses in any detail, but house type 7 and 8 cover some issues relating to pre-fabrication techniques.

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 improve the health and well being for residents living in this house type by using brick and stone, timber, pvc and plastic, metal, roof tiles, glass, paint and garden waste the house as household circumstances change.

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.