Eco home recognised at Northern Design Awards

A design that transformed a dated bungalow in the Lake District into a state-of-the-art energy efficient home has won the conversion/repurpose/redesign category at the Northern Design Awards 2024.

The eco home refurbishment and extension project breathed new life into a 1980s bungalow, creating a highly insulated home that combines modern luxury with impressive environmental credentials.

Carter’s Building Consultancy collected the category award at the Northern Design Awards 2024 at St George’s Hall, Liverpool, in November. The win comes after three consecutive years as finalists for the Preston-based consultancy. Judges praised the project for its innovative use of sustainable technology, the choice of materials and the future-proof design that blends with its surroundings.

Features of the design

As energy efficiency was a priority, the bungalow was given a super insulated structure featuring sustainably sourced timber cladding and advanced insulation delivering exceptional thermal performance.

Renewable energy elements include an air source heat pump providing underfloor heating, solar panels and battery storage. To reduce energy use and maintain air quality, a Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) system captures and reuses over 85% of heat from stale air. A rainwater harvesting system enables the reuse of rainwater, reducing demand for potable water by half.

Sustainable living

The design preserved and upgraded original building materials where possible, such as the beam and block floors to minimise waste and reduce the carbon footprint. The airtight design maintains a constant temperature indoors while preventing heat loss and reducing energy use. Outside, native drought resistant plants were chosen along with wildflowers to enhance biodiversity.

Full height glazed openings maximise natural light, improve solar gain and reduce the need for artificial lighting. Bi-fold doors, patios and balconies provide a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Carters Building Consultancy used advanced tools like BIM and Revit modelling to ensure precision throughout the project.

The interior

The design uses birch ply with oak inlays to provide warmth and a sense of luxury, and light grey porcelain tiles were used throughout. A master en-suite and modern family bathroom were added as part of the reconfigured open plan layout. Other features include concealed storage and bespoke lighting.

Demonstrable energy savings

The renovation has significantly reduced energy costs: the bungalow achieved an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) A rating, improving on the previous C rating. The scheme demonstrates that a refurbishment can create a sustainable high-performance home though skilful design and use of advanced technologies. Energy costs were reduced by 28% over the winter, and an annual consumption of just 4,110 kWh demonstrates how sustainable practices can make savings.

Harry Carter, managing director of Carter’s Building Consultancy, said that the project shows how eco-construction principles can create homes that are energy efficient, environmentally friendly and cost effective in the long-term.

Services provided by the consultancy included a full measured survey, feasibility and concept designs, planning applications, technical construction drawings, contractor procurement and project management.