Adaptations

Futureproofing

Futureproofing existing homes

At Blackwood Homes and Care we are always thinking about the future and what it might look and feel like? We have a strong emphasis futureproofing our housing stock from both a policy and built environment perspective. We want the Blackwood Homes of the future to be more Beautiful, more Affordable, more Accessible and even more Connected.At Blackwood Homes and Care we are always thinking about the future and what it might look and feel like? We have a strong emphasis futureproofing our housing stock from both a policy and built environment perspective. We want the Blackwood Homes of the future to be more Beautiful, more Affordable, more Accessible and even more Connected.

Futureproofing Policy

Its impossible to think about the future without considering climate change and ow the built environment needs to adapt for us to meet the policy goals set by the Scottish Government Climate action plan. These should not only be met by new build but also our existing housing needs to become more sustainable, this can be achieved by looking at a multitude of options such as:

  • Heating systems – geothermal or air to water (underfloor heating)
  • Photovoltaic systems
  • Airtightness and improved e-values
  • Mechanical ventilation (passive house)

Retrofitting and designing these more future friendly systems will be cost beneficial in the long run, provide the customer with a better quality, warmer and more affordable place to live, while also reducing the operational carbon footprint of the homes. The main policy document to refer to when looking at futureproofing is Homes to 2040.

Futureproofing Homes

Futureproofing existing housing stock is an important and useful way of maintaining the validity of a property so that is can facilitate as large a demographic as possible. There are several ways that this can be conducted, at Blackwood we see 3 main factors in futureproofing our housing stock:

  • Sustainability (climate change, increase in energy costs)
  • Homes ability to support independent life (homes for life)
  • Durability/functionality/maintenance

Futureproofing for Sustainability

There will be many changes required to existing homes in the next 40 years in order to make them much more sustainable. There are a few key measures that we can start thinking about now in regards to adaptations to make more sustainable choices, such as:

  • When replacing heating systems, look at alternative options to gas boilers, this could be a air source heat pump, ground source heat pump, district heating systems etc.
  • Where possible look at improving e-values through additional insulation
  • When replacing windows and doors, invest in units with a high thermal efficiency
  • Look at measure to improve air tightness, reduce/minimise risk of drafts
  • If installing PVs on a property, utilise technology to heat water with additional power which would otherwise send to the grid.

Futureproofing for independent living

At Blackwood we believe a home should be for life, this means that you be able to live in a Blackwood home from childhood into old age. In order for us to be able to achieve this we must look at what elements of a home should be considered:

  • Accessibility
  • Functionality
  • Aesthetics
  • Technology (automation, connectivity)
  • Sustainability
  • Affordability

Futureproofing for Durability/Functionality/Maintenance

When considering the above headings, the three things that should always be considered when adapting an existing home with a consideration for futureproofing is, Design, materiality and implementation. If you can get these three stages correct then you will end up with a product that is durable, functional and easy to maintain.