The houses, which had been left unoccupied as long-term ‘void’ properties, have been retrofitted to the highest energy efficiency standards, and they now provide secure, sustainable housing for two Lambeth families who were previously living in temporary accommodation. Retrofitting is the installation of new systems designed for high energy efficiency and low energy consumption to buildings previously built without them.
The newly refurbished three-bedroom homes have been comprehensively upgraded through the council’s efforts to meet the rigorous ‘Passivhaus’ energy efficiency standard. This standard ensures low heating costs and significantly reduced carbon emissions, making the homes energy efficient as well as comfortable for their occupants, using the most minimal heating and cooling.
Delivered in partnership with Lambeth’s contractor Niblock, these homes will provide dramatically reduced heating bills for the new tenants, while at the same time supporting Lambeth’s commitment to climate and social justice.
Claire Holland, Leader of Lambeth Council, welcomed the families to their new homes. She said:
“These houses lay void for many years and now we have retrofitted them to the highest energy efficiency standards which means sustainable homes and lower energy bills for the new tenants.
“The tenants are two families who have previously been living in temporary accommodation. We are building sustainably and retrofitting existing properties, including void properties all to tackle the London housing crisis.”
The Gypsy Hill project is part of a wider ambition by Lambeth aligned with the council’s Climate Action Plan and its ambition to be net zero compatible by 2030.
Passivhaus buildings are so well insulated and ventilated that they retain warmth from sunlight and occupants’ activity, requiring little additional energy for heating or cooling.
“Lambeth was the first London borough to declare a climate emergency in 2019, and we’re proud to have repurposed these empty properties to provide long-term, secure homes in a sustainable way,” Cllr Holland said. “This is a clear example of how we can turn unused housing into climate-friendly, affordable homes for local families.”
Almost 700 homes across the borough have been upgraded as part of a national schemes to “retrofit” socially rented properties and the council recently secured extra funding worth £1 million to make homes on estates in Brixton and Streatham more energy efficient.
Watch Cllr Holland talking about the new homes.
