This is a centre-terrace former council house built in the 1930s and within easy reach
of Shaftesbury town centre. The present owners, Richard and Rachel, bought it late in
2017, but made changes before moving in 18 months later. Theirs was a relatively
new later-in-life relationship and they were combining two households. Their
modifications were designed to give them adequate but compact space for
sustainable living into their older age.
The house now has a timber-framed south-facing rear extension with underfloor
heating and a sedum roof, a loft conversion, high spec double glazing, a refitted
kitchen, a lot of additional storage space, a small solar PV array, and a garden office.
Throughout the building works and associated internal changes the couple aimed to
reuse existing materials and for new fittings to be as sustainable as possible.
Heating and hot water is currently provided by the pre-existing gas combi-boiler (less
than 5 years old); there is also a wood burner which is used sparingly. The garden
office has a digital electronic radiator. 
In deciding what work to do and how to tackle it we were influenced by:
1. What was permissible. We needed planning consent and permissions from
the Housing Association that now oversees the estate, our neighbours on
either side, and Wessex Water because the terrace has a shared sewer.
2. What would be practical as we got older. We carried out the loft conversion to
secure extra space but also adapted the ground floor and staircases for
easier use if either of us has reduced mobility.
3. Sustainability. We aimed to reduce draughts; ensure good insulation; upgrade
the windows; use healthy sustainable materials; incorporate ample storage
throughout; and equip rooms to suit multiple purposes where feasible.
4. Cost. Of course we had a limited budget. 
We’re happy to talk about how well it’s working, what we’d do differently, and more!
Builders / Materials / Providers 
The plans were drawn up by Terry Pinto, a Frome-based architect, and the works
were done by TL Builders of Sturminster Newton.  The 9 solar panels were supplied
and fitted in 2019 by Dorset Energy Solutions of Gillingham at a cost of £5100
(includes all labour, cabling and the inverter). The replacement windows were
supplied by Newglaze of Blandford: cost led us to choose relatively high spec (A+
energy performance rating, 1.3u), UPVC double-glazing with a high proportion of

recycled plastics. Roof windows are all Velux and fitted with blinds (some solar
powered) so that we can shield against the sun’s heat or reduce light pollution.
Fitted and free-standing pine storage cupboards, bookcases, kitchen units,
wardrobes were all made to our specifications by The Kitchens & Furniture
Workshop (formerly Gillerson Pine) of Trowbridge. The kitchen worktop was
manufactured and supplied by Diamik Glass in Leeds and includes a high percentage
of recycled glass. (At c. £2.5K this was an indulgence!)  We managed to retain, reuse,
or obtain 2nd hand: paving slabs, internal doors, kitchen sink & flooring, some
appliances and furniture. We used synthetic carpet on upstairs floors and stairs
(past bad experience with wool carpet and carpet moth).
The sedum for the green roof was supplied by Sedum Green Roof of Salisbury
(formerly East Knoyle, cost £1300). It arrived in trays which we fitted ourselves in
2019. The garden office was designed and made to measure with modules built
offsite and then installed over 4 days by Poultons of Shaftesbury.