London’s homes are too cold in winter, too hot in summer, and costing us a fortune. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Join the National Retrofit Hub and The London Society for a practical, down to earth conversation about improving London homes for modern living.
The government’s £15bn Warm Homes Plan aims to upgrade 5 million homes by 2030. But while much of the conversation focuses on heating, many homes are already struggling with overheating, poor ventilation and rising summer temperatures.
This webinar will cut through the jargon and explore what actually works for Londoners. We’ll hear from a panel of London home renovation and retrofit experts, followed by a live Q&A.
We’ll discuss:
• Creating homes that feel warmer in winter and cooler in summer
• Reducing draughts, heat loss and energy bills
• Improving ventilation and tackling overheating
• Protecting the character of London homes while improving comfort and performance
• What good home upgrades look like in practice
The session will focus on the realities of London’s housing stock, including Victorian and Edwardian homes, listed buildings and apartment blocks.
Open to anyone. While the examples will focus on London, the challenges facing homes across the UK are increasingly similar, especially as hotter summers become more common.
Chair: Rachael Owens – Co-Director, National Retrofit Hub
Rachael Owens is Co-Director of the National Retrofit Hub, where she works with industry, local authorities, housing organisations and community partners to support the delivery of warmer, healthier and lower carbon homes across the UK. An award-winning architect and retrofit specialist, Rachael was named AJ Sustainability Champion of the Year for her work advancing sustainable retrofit and systems change across the built environment sector.
Speakers:
Bob Prewett – Prewett Bizley Architects
Bob Prewett is Director at Prewett Bizley Architects, a practice widely recognised for its work in low energy retrofit, sustainable architecture and the sensitive upgrading of existing buildings. Bob has played a significant role in shaping the UK retrofit sector, including coining the term ‘Retrofit Coordinator’ in 2010, which later informed the PAS 2035 framework. The practice is known for combining deep retrofit expertise with an understanding of heritage and conservation.
Charlie Baxter – Alchemi Group / Alchemi Renovations
Charlie Baxter is Co-Founder of Alchemi Group and Alchemi Renovations, bringing more than 40 years’ experience across property development, heritage refurbishment and retrofit. Alchemi Group became known for transforming landmark London buildings into award-winning residential developments, including the RIBA London Award shortlisted Westminster Fire Station project. Today, Charlie focuses on retrofit strategy, energy planning and sustainable urban regeneration.
Mellis Haward – Archio Ltd
Mellis Haward is Director at Archio, an architecture practice recognised for creating sustainable, community-led housing and retrofit projects. Archio is known for designing the first direct-delivery community land trust housing in London and developing the retrofit strategy for the Becontree Estate, the largest council estate in the world. The practice has also been recognised for its work in co-design and community engagement and was named among the world’s top 50 social housing architects by Dezeen.
Oliver Smith – 5th Studio
Oliver Smith is Director at 5th Studio, an award-winning architecture and urban design practice working across housing, retrofit, public realm and strategic planning. The practice is known for its place-based and heritage-led approach, including the acclaimed retrofit of New Court at Trinity College Cambridge, recognised for setting new standards in the sustainable retrofit of historic buildings. 5th Studio is also a Certified B Corporation and has received recognition for projects spanning regeneration, infrastructure and public architecture.