Architecture + Interiors
Transforming Spaces with Decades of Expertise
Retrofit & Enerphit
Thirty years of sustainable
retrofitting
When director Richard Dudzicki founded RDA almost thirty years ago, his ethos was to put sustainability first.
This has led to RDA developing vital proficiency in sustainable building, particularly retrofitting. From smaller scale residential properties, commercial spaces and converting industrial buildings into residential, RDA has the expertise you need.
RDA undertakes and consults on award-winning retrofits that are built with knowledge, experience and sustainable practices.
Your needs & our expertise
As an industry leader in Passivhaus design, we have many experts within our practise that understand exactly how to fulfil your obligations and targets. From NET ZERO, the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, LETI and more, our experience working with authorities and strict targets is clear.
RDA offers proficiency in the following:
| Consultancy | Design |
|---|---|
| Retrofit | Cost estimation |
| Enerphit | 3D visualisations |
| Passivhaus | Interior design |
| Sustainability strategy | Site management |
| Planning submissions | Contract management |
| Concept development | Schedule of works |
"Together, we worked to upgrade the house and make it as energy efficient as possible, while staying true to the original design. It makes an enormous difference, and the building is so warm and well insulated.
Instead of demolishing a fascinating building, we’ve incorporated modern technology to extend its lifespan by at least another hundred years."
"By improving the energy efficiency of buildings such as historic warehouses of commercial spaces, we demonstrate a commitment to sustainable urban development."
RDA Director Richard has recently partnered with Architecture Today to publish a learning module on Enerphit for their School of Specification. This module gives an in depth insight into some of our most challenging retrofit projects, from a Georgian townhouse to a 1960's modernist home.
RDA's expertise, in practice
Installing Steico insulation on the roof on our certified Enerphit Timberyard conversion.
Smoke testing windows for airtightness.
Installing the MVHR in an early Victorian townhouse retrofit.
Using LECA clay bags to insulate the floor in a historic retrofit in rural Dorset.
Designed with sustainability in mind from Stage 0.
Unlike most practices, RDA establish and integrate your retrofit's sustainability needs from RIBA stage 0.
This means that from embodied carbon to air-tightness, you can guarantee that no stone is left un-turned or forgotten about. Our sustainability strategy isn’t an afterthought, its our ethos.
“After looking at many architectural practices, we came to RDA because their sustainability credentials are embedded in their philosophy from the beginning, it isn't just an add on.”
Tom, Private client
Featured retrofit & enerphit projects
Modernist Enerphit
This award-winning enerphit project gave a new lease of life to an iconic example of 1960's modernist architecture, designed by Michael Blackstock.
What was once drafty, inefficient and damp is now an incredibly efficient home. Now, it has a heat recovery efficiency of 88%, and uses almost 90% less energy than the average UK home. Its annual energy bill is as low as £177, compared to the UK average of £2,499.87 (2022)
The Timberyard
This family home has been retrofitted to Enerphit standards, transforming a 19th-century brick workshop into a residential home.
By using the existing shell, scaled back timber and limited steel beam construction palette; this significantly reduced the build's CFC footprint, construction time and cost.
The Old Bakery
Originally a bakery during the 1880's, in 2017 RDA retrofitted the (by then) run down dental office to become our own studio.
Skylights were added to allow for a greater degree of light to be thrown into the basement whilst MVHR systems were installed to improve the air quality. The internal environment is monitored for CO2, particulate matters, volatile compounds and general pollution, allowing us to ensure that our workplace is healthy and comfortable.
"When it comes to retrofitting, its not just about achieving the standards but understanding embodied carbon, healthy biophilic design and the economics of the project. This leads to great work and wonderful design from the RDA team."
Richard Dudzicki, Director
RIBA, ARB
BA(Hons), DipArch(Dist)
Explore retrofit projects
The Old Timberyard
Egmont View
Modernist Enerphit
RetroPHit
The Old Bakery
