An uncompromising fabric first eco-refurb of a semi-detached house in Chorlton.
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2023
Chorlton, Manchester
Under construction
The Home Engineers
Moses Crook
Deadnettle Studio
This project began with a shared commitment to fabric-first, low-carbon design. For both client and architect, sustainability was not an add-on but a fundamental of the brief, guiding decisions from the earliest sketches through to completion.
The property is a typical post-war semi in Chorlton: modest in scale, set within a long and narrow plot, with a loft too shallow for conversion. Like many homes of its era, it suffered from poor thermal performance—overheating in summer and draughty winters. It had also been extended ad-hoc over the years precipitating an awkword and constrained plan, not conducive to family life. The challenge was to transform these spaces into a contemporary, adaptable family home that could support home-working, welcome visiting family members and friends, and evolve with the family over time.
The solution was a complete modernisation, replacing inefficient construction with a highly insulated timber-frame design. Underfloor heating, an air-source heat pump, and solar panels with battery storage were all integrated to reduce energy demand and reliance on fossil fuels. A generous cycle store is provided reflecting the family’s commitment to a sustainable lifestyle.
Inside, flexible layouts support both work and play, ensuring the house can respond to changing patterns of family life. Light, comfort and efficiency underpin every space, turning a once-dated property into a future-ready home.