Retrofit for the Future
The Retrofit for the Future ideas competition which ran from May to mid-November ask Manx residents with architectural backgrounds, studying architecture, building retrofitting expertise or those with a passion for green construction to submit designs which could significantly improve the energy performance of an existing Manx home to make it a future-ready building.
Judges were particularly interested in ideas which tackle Manx stone cottages, Victorian semi or terrace housing and 1970s-style bungalow homes. Current generic solutions including roof, floor and external / internal wall insulation may not be suitable for these properties as it may cause problems such as condensation, change in external character of the buildings, reduction in size of rooms and loss of internal features such as cornicing. Ideas generated from the competition could lead to suitable options to improve the energy efficiency in these properties which will reduce emissions and help tackle climate change.
At the awards ceremony on Monday 9 December Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, Geoffrey Boot MHK presented Deb Cripps with the main prize of £5,000 for her submission which included ideas and techniques for increasing the energy efficiency of a 1970s bungalow, a style of residential property which can be found in large numbers across the Island.
Also announced were two runners up Summer Fearnley and Richard Strivens who were both awarded £1,000 for their submissions for energy efficiency upgrades to Victorian style houses and social housing.
