Case Study: Upgrading a group of terraced houses at ‘de Burd’
Name of organisation: Wonen Zuidwest Friesland
Stage of development: in progress
Year of finalization: 2007
Type of project: refurbishment
Area: rural
Scale: group of buildings
Type of building: house in multiple occupation i.e. hotel
Number of units/dwellings: 2
Tenure: social rental
Street: Eigenhaard 3
Postcode: 8561 EX
City: Balk
Region/ County:
Country: Netherlands
Last Update: 19.04.2010
Short Description
Refurbishment of the existing houses. The facade of the properties have been upgraded in combination with improving on the insulation. A type of expandable foam has been used to insulate the walls (www.thermosteen.nl) and the 60 eps plates (www.recapan.nl) have been used to insulate the roof.
The houses have been adapted to accommodate the elderly and less mobile tenants, by improving the upstairs bathroom. A 2nd toilet has been installed and the size of the bathroom has been increased.
The refurbishment has been done in cooperation with the tenants. A special test was developed by Wonen Zuidwest Friesland and Social Housing Corporation, Welkom and Koot Senior-Projects, to identify how elderly people can adapt their house to their living requirements.
Key Elements
Certification
Energy certification: the energy label of the houses was G (which implies a high energy consumption), it has now become label C (average energy efficiency).
Asset Management
With the improvement on the houses and the increased energy efficiency, the rental opportunity has improved. The property has an extended live span of an additional 30 years.
Capacity Building
The tenants have been advised on the effects of the energy efficient improvements. Not just on cost saving benefits, but also on maintaining the property as there is a requirement to ventilate the properties more frequent.
Work with Residents
The tenants have been made aware of the energy efficient measurements and with the decrease in costing, the improvements are welcomed and accepted.
By adjusting the living facilities an opportunity has been provided for the elderly people to stay in their own house, offering independent living for a longer period.
Funding
The energy efficiency measurements have been implemented in the refurbishment process. Therefore the overall costs were bearable. There was no external financing.
Thermal Insulation
The new façade is isolated with the new materials. Also the roof and the walls have been insulated.
Windows and Shading
Windows and shading devices are synthetic material with HR++ glass and ventilation lattice-works.
Project Management
The project was designed by the architect and completed by the building team.
Main Results
We had set ourselves 3 goals:
- To prevent deterioration of the neighbourhood;
- To make the houses age-proof;
- To improve the energy efficiency of the house.
We are happy that we achieved our goals. The deterioration of the neighbourhood stopped, and the neighbourhood is even starting to improve. Elderly people do not necessarily have to move anymore, because the houses have become suitable for elderly people to live in. Also persons that have become less mobile, can live in these houses now.
The energy costs have decreased. Besides, the indoor climate has improved.
Lessons learned
We have learned to combine the work with the wishes of the tenants.
The energy savings are less than expected. By increasing the comfort level in the house, the consumption of energy has increased. For example; the access to hot water has been improved, therefore people take a shower for a longer time. Every room can be heated now, a luxury that people now use.
