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From Georgie Scott
Hackney Lofts is a re-modelling and deep retrofit of a neglected building to provide two spacious, light-filled apartments. Perched above a High Street bank in Hackney, East London, the project re-purposes abandoned office space that had been empty for years. By peeling back the layers of clumsy adaption and fit-out, the height and character of the original historic building was revealed. The extent of the works also gave opportunity for extensive thermal upgrades with new services, glazing and insulation that vastly improve the energy performance of the building.
The careful removal of floors and ceilings revealed the aged timber roof structure which now dominates double height living spaces. This is complemented by light touches of new joinery - a box jointed staircase, carefully crafted oak shelving and kitchens with contrasting deep-blue recycled plastic. New roof terraces were designed into each apartment, carefully slotted behind parapets and chimney stacks to protect views from the surrounding conservation area.
Thermal comfort and energy efficiency are at the core of the design - dual aspect living spaces maximise cross ventilation, with new skylight openings increasing air flow and drawing natural light into the plan. The project targets lowering emissions as far as possible - incorporating breathable wood-fibre insulation, air-tight linings, triple glazing, full house mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, underfloor heating and new air-source heat pumps for all heating and hot-water loads.
Since completion in January 2023, the heating and cooling demand has been measured through energy consumption and resulting bills. As a result of the above design strategy with regards to airtightness and MVHR, to heat/cool the entirety of the space only requires 30 kWh/sqm/year. Passivhaus standard EnerPHit (for retrofitting buildings) performance criteria outlines a maximum of 25 kWh/sqm/year, meaning the scheme is not far from meeting Passivhaus standards, and consumption in comparison to a typical home is greatly reduced.