Transforming your home through an eco-retrofit isn’t just about saving energy - it’s about reshaping how you live. At RISE Design Studio, we believe the best homes are those that work in harmony with the environment while enhancing the day-to-day experience of their inhabitants.
This guide is here to help you navigate the eco-retrofit process, step by step, with practical advice and a dose of inspiration. Whether you’re dreaming of cutting-edge sustainability or simply a cosier, healthier home, we’re here to show you how to get there.
Before diving into the nuts and bolts of an eco-retrofit, take a step back. Why are you doing this?
Maybe it’s the lure of smaller energy bills, the desire to tread lightly on the planet, or the dream of a home that wraps you in comfort, whatever the weather. Whatever your reasons, they’ll guide your decisions and keep you motivated when the process feels daunting.
Every great transformation starts with a good assessment.
It’s also worth thinking about your home’s quirks and constraints. For example, at Herbert Paradise, we were dealing with splayed floor plans on an irregular site. This kind of detail might seem small, but it has a big impact on design decisions.
Now’s the time to imagine your ideal eco-home. What does it look like?
At this stage, technology can be a game-changer.
We use tools like BIMx (Building Information Modeling) to create a digital twin of your home. This is more than just a 3D model - it’s an interactive experience. Imagine walking through your future home on a tablet, like a computer game. Or slipping on VR goggles to experience the design from every angle.
For Herbert Paradise, this technology was invaluable:
Eco-retrofitting isn’t just an expense - it’s an investment in your future.
Here’s a rough breakdown of costs to help you plan:
Grants and incentives can help offset some of these costs, so do your research. And remember: every pound spent now is a step toward lower bills and a higher resale value.
The best projects are collaborative.
You’ll need architects, engineers, and contractors who understand the art and science of sustainable design. At RISE, we specialise in bringing these elements together, ensuring that every detail - from the ducting routes to the finishing touches - aligns with your vision.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your eco-retrofit doesn’t have to be either.
Here’s how you might phase your project:
Technology doesn’t just make retrofitting easier - it makes it smarter.
Using digital twins, we can predict and solve potential issues before construction begins. This was especially critical for Herbert Paradise, where the unusual shape of the floor plans required careful planning to make the most of every inch of space.
The result? A retrofit that didn’t just meet expectations - it exceeded them.
What does an eco-retrofit look like in action? Let’s take you behind the scenes of Herbert Paradise, a London home transformed using EnerPHit principles.
The site’s irregular, splayed shape created unique challenges, requiring meticulous planning and collaboration between the client, engineers, and contractors.
By leveraging BIMx, we:
When you choose to retrofit your home, you’re not just improving your life - you’re making a statement. You’re showing what’s possible. You’re inspiring your neighbours, your community, and maybe even the next generation.
An eco-retrofit is more than a project - it’s a journey. And at RISE Design Studio, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re dreaming of Herbert Paradise-level transformation or just want to explore your options, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s create a home that reflects your values, supports your lifestyle, and inspires your future.
Get in touch today and let’s make it happen.