'Greening-the-Box', Ringland

Greening-the-Box (GTB) is an initiative being delivered by Wherry Housing Association in partnership with Broadland District Council and SEArch (Sustainable Ecological Architecture Limited) for the adaptation of an existing building, 21 The Street, Ringland to standards fit for the low carbon society.

The original dwelling was a 1930s hard-to-treat, hard-to-heat property off the mains gas network in rural Norfolk, which had no insulation and inefficient heating.

"Greening the Box" was an initiative adopted by Wherry Housing Association for the environmentally responsible adaptation of existing dwellings to low carbon standards. The family that lived next door moved into the home so that they can compare the experience of living in GTB to their previous home.

As with many rural housing providers, Wherry has a number of homes that are not covered by the gas network and therefore residents are more likely to rely on more expensive electric or oil heating options which can exacerbate fuel poverty.

Wherry employed a low-tech, practical ‘whole house’ approach, incorporating ‘Zero Heating’ – a natural regime that relies on solar heating and human occupation.

The only other kind of heating in the home is a low-grade electric under-floor heating system – there is no gas fire, oil or mechanical boiler, radiators, flues or pipes.
Super insulation helps retain heat generated by the occupants and appliances; the dense concrete floor and superstructure of the building acts like a storage radiator.
Other features include passive stack and cross ventilation to cool the building, 600mm of quilted recycled plastic roof insulation, a rotating cowl on the roof to draw air through, and breathable walls.
Estimated 93% reduction in CO2.

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Low-technology approach

Greening the Box is a low-technology approach to building adaptation,
with an agenda to reduce energy and carbon emissions.

Solar Water Heating¹
Photovoltaics²
Rainwater Harvesting³

Zero heating

A natural heating regime, relying on solar gains and human occupation with supplementary backup heating (no mechanical heating boiler, radiators, gas, oil)

How long will it take to monitor the results?

A three year monitoring programme will cover LCA (Life Cycle Analysis), Thermal Performance, Energy Consumption and comparative studies against a conventional house.