The Rectory project has been an exciting and challenging endeavour for Benjamin Henry Ltd, where we’ve completely reconfigured and renovated a large Victorian property to help meet the EnerPHit (Passivhaus retrofit) standard.
This project highlights our strong commitment to sustainability, a value we’re passionate about. With Ben becoming Passivhaus certified last year, we’ve been focused on creating energy-efficient solutions that strike the right balance between environmental and economic benefits. EnerPHit is designed specifically for older buildings, focusing on key upgrades like improved insulation and airtightness to enhance thermal comfort and maintain consistent indoor temperatures—all while preserving the unique character of historic properties.
We’re excited to share how it all began with some photos from the early stages of this transformation.
The first phase of work involved removing the suspended floors to assess the structure beneath. We discovered a thin concrete base, which, unfortunately, didn’t meet the requirements for the project and had to be replaced with a reinforced concrete slab. This meant starting fresh by removing all the floors and rebuilding from the ground up. The new floor system included a base of type 1 aggregate, followed by reinforced concrete, 150mm PIR insulation for thermal efficiency, underfloor heating, and finally, a liquid screed finish.
To open up and optimize the space, we also tackled a significant structural task—propping, supporting, and removing a large chimney stack. This allowed us to create a spacious and functional kitchen and living area, aligning with the modern, energy-efficient design goals of the project.
Our dedicated electrical team, Benjamin Henry Electrics, completed all the electrical work on this project including converting the three existing fused board to suit the new 3phase supply making sure that all phase’s were balanced. The system is now future proof!
Throughout the renovation, we took great care to honour the character and period features of this stunning Victorian property. While removing internal walls and constructing new ones, we made it a priority to preserve its original charm. Where features like plaster mouldings needed restoration, we had them custom-made to match the originals precisely. Similarly, when additional skirting was required, we replicated the profiles in-house using our fully equipped joinery workshop.
Our goal for this project was to create a home that not only respects its heritage but is also future-proofed with modern energy-efficient standards. Key improvements included:
- Significant insulation upgrades in the floor, ceilings, and walls to enhance thermal performance.
- Installation of UPVC triple-glazed PassivHaus certified windows throughout, dramatically improving energy efficiency.
- Maximizing airtightness using specialized tapes and air barriers, particularly in sealing floors to walls behind the skirting, ensuring minimal energy loss.
Finally, we redecorated the property, blending modern functionality with its timeless character. We’re proud to share the results of this transformation.
We are incredibly proud of the completed project delivered for our wonderful clients. They are now settled in and enjoying their beautifully modernized family home, which seamlessly combines contemporary energy efficiency with the charm and character of its Victorian heritage.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Passivhaus process—whether for a new build or a retrofit project like this. We would be delighted to discuss how we can help bring your vision to life.
