Retrofit Challenge with Dulux Trade
A range of Dulux Trade coatings has been used in an award-winning social housing retrofit project in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The retrofit, led by Eco-Energy (NI) Ltd, was completed as part of a UK Technology Strategy Board (TSB) initiative to develop a whole-house solution to reduce carbon emissions, and won the DECC/BRE UK Retro Expo award for Domestic Retrofit Project of the Year.
Peter Keig, director of Eco-Energy (NI) Ltd, explains: “For the competition, we looked to improve the environmental performance of a late 19th century solid wall, mid terrace house owned by Grove Housing Association in Belfast. Our retrofit model used a combination of Passivhaus, Minergie and Active-House principles to ensure a holistic approach that tackled every element of the building fabric, including the decorative finishes.”
One of Ireland’s oldest decorating firms, William Stevenson and Sons, provided painting and decorating services for the retrofit which included the use of Dulux Trade Supermatt, and shades from the Light & Space colour range in Diamond Eggshell and Vinyl Matt formulations. Absolute White from the Dulux Light & Space colour range was chosen in particular for its light enhancing properties. Peter continues: “Ample day light was a critical requirement for the Active-House standard, so we used a number of measures to maximise what naturally enters into the building. As well as installing roof windows and a sun tunnel, we chose to use Light & Space colours as they reflect much more light than normal paints.”
Through a combination of forward thinking design and planning, and use of innovative high performance solutions, the Eco-Energy prototype house achieved an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions and an 84 per cent decrease in electricity bills.
Retrofit Challenge with Dulux Trade
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