RETROFIT VS NEW BUILD
We specialise in designing bespoke homes, with experience ranging from highly energy-efficient new builds to bold contemporary interventions to listed buildings, as well as technically demanding retrofit and extension projects.
Retrofit refers to working with an existing building to significantly enhance its environmental performance. While we love creating new bespoke homes, we believe the greater challenge—and opportunity—lies in upgrading our existing housing stock. By re-using and recycling buildings rather than demolishing them, we reduce waste and cut carbon emissions.
Our design approach begins with Passive House principles: high thermal performance, airtight construction, and efficient mechanical ventilation. Not every project can achieve full Passive House certification—heritage constraints, for example, may limit what’s possible—but we always aim to deliver the highest standards achievable for each building and budget.
When working with an existing property, we focus on maximising environmental improvements while often incorporating extensions that transform the house into a contemporary, comfortable home. In every retrofit project, we strive not only to enhance thermal performance but also to add architectural interest and beauty, improving both the building and the quality of life it provides.
Retrofit projects do carry more risks and unknowns than new builds, and they can be more complex to execute. However, the environmental benefits are significant: demolition generates waste and demands new materials, while retrofit plus extension is generally far more carbon-efficient—even when low-embodied-carbon materials are used in new builds.
From a cost perspective, retrofitting is usually cheaper than building from scratch, provided the existing structure is sound. However, VAT rules currently (autumn 2025) add nuance: retrofit and extension works are subject to standard-rate VAT, while new builds are zero-rated. In some cases, particularly when replacing a small structure with a large extension, a new build may be more cost-effective. Ultimately, the decision should balance environmental responsibility, design ambition, and budget considerations.