Beaufort Gardens

36 Beaufort Gardens
©English Heritage

Region: London

Local Authority: Kensington and Chelsea

Summary: The project demonstrated how older properties can positively contribute to a low carbon economy.

Description: As a ‘house in multiple occupation’ regulated by its local authority, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and situated in a conservation area, this unlisted, mid-Victorian, terraced house, was an ideal subject for a ‘Flagship Home’ project.
Issue: To maintain traditional character and meet planning requirements whilst combining innovative energy and design solutions with traditional sustainable green materials.
Strategy: A partnership between the building’s owners, the City of Westminster, and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to encourage greater awareness and use of energy efficiency measures (and a closer working relationship between statutory bodies and building preservation organisations).
Outcome:

The project’s benefits have included

  • Reduction of the property’s carbon dioxide emissions over 60%;
  • Housing 36 residents at an emission rate of 9 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year when the average house of 2 or 3 people generates 6 tonnnes;
  • Cutting fuel bills at the property by more than 60%; and
  • Increasing the property’s National Home Energy Rating from 2 to 9 (10 being the most efficient)

Keywords: RE-USE; SUSTAINABILITY; REPAIR, RECONSTRUCTION, RESTORATION

What's New?

  • Britain was the world’s first industrial nation and has a wealth of industrial heritage but many industrial sites have been lost or are at risk due to functional redundancy. English Heritage's survey has shown that the percentage of listed industrial buildings at risk is three times greater than the national average for listed buildings at risk.
  • The value of a well managed, protected and appreciated historic environment to both our quality of life and to the economy is well established. Heritage tourism contributes £20.6 billion to GDP a year whilst research shows that 93% of people think that in improving their local place it is important to save heritage assets.