Retrofit House in Ladywood Showcases Sustainable Victorian Terrace Renovation
Retrofit House, located at No 33 Link Road in Ladywood, Birmingham, is four months into ownership by Civic Square. The project is transforming a Victorian terrace using natural materials such as lime, clay, and straw to enhance energy efficiency, flood protection, and wildlife habitat.
This initiative functions both as a showroom and workshop where West Midlands builders gain experience installing natural-material retrofits. Civic Square emphasizes a community-led approach to retrofit, with co-founder Immy Kaur highlighting the importance of framing retrofit around quality of life and social value rather than solely on energy targets.
The retrofit work is set against a national policy context marked by underperforming schemes like the Home Upgrade Grant, Local Authority Delivery, and the Warm Homes Plan, alongside difficulties with cavity-wall insulation under ECO4.
To advance the project, the Retrofit Reimagined network connects neighbourhood groups with the design practice Material Cultures, facilitating skills sharing and enabling public decision-making on retrofit options. The aim is to create an exemplar that can influence policymakers and procurement rules. Although local government capacity is currently limited, collaboration is seen as achievable in the future.
Funding for the project comes from philanthropic organisations, including the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Kaur advises approaching charities with large endowments to support innovative ideas in retrofit.
