Lis and Sarah’s East Oxford terrace was cold, draughty and hard to heat – until they embarked on a complete eco-retrofit with help from Cosy Homes Oxfordshire. Motivated by their environmental values and a desire for greater comfort, they now enjoy a warm, efficient home that costs less to run and fits their future. Here’s how they did it.

About the home

Lis and Sarah live in a classic late-Victorian terrace in East Oxford – solid brick walls, timber sash windows, and all the charm you’d expect. But while the home had character, it had little insulation, struggled to hold heat, and relied on an ageing gas boiler and a wood stove for warmth. Like many older properties, it looked lovely but felt cold – especially for two people working from home.

Why they chose to retrofit

They’d always known the house needed attention. What pushed them to act was a desire to reduce its carbon footprint and make it more liveable. For Lis and Sarah, a retrofit wasn’t just a fix – it was an investment in the future of their home, their comfort, and the planet.

“It was about taking responsibility for our emissions – but also finally having a home that felt comfortable to live in.”

By making their home more energy efficient and incorporating low carbon heating, they reduced carbon emissions.

The value of coordination

They didn’t want to take on the project alone. From the start, they knew they’d need someone to coordinate the work, navigate the technicalities, and ensure everything ran smoothly. With Cosy Homes Oxfordshire managing the process, they were able to focus on the vision – not the logistics.

Cosy Homes handled the Whole House Plan, arranged contractors, and led discussions on-site. That support removed stress and uncertainty, giving the couple the confidence to move forward.

Expert guidance at every step

Lis and Sarah wanted to be sure that each measure would make a difference – not just in isolation, but as part of a joined-up approach. Their Retrofit Coordinator helped them understand how the different improvements would work together to cut emissions, improve comfort, and protect the home’s original features.

“The fact that Cosy Homes sourced all the contractors made the whole project possible from our point of view.” Lis, East Oxford

A house transformed – inside and out

Lis and Sarah chose to move out during the work, giving contractors the space to complete multiple improvements at once. That decision sped up the project and allowed for a full package of carefully planned measures to be installed.

On the ground floor, underfloor heating was laid beneath insulated timber floors – a major shift from the old stove-based system. It’s now powered by a highly efficient air source heat pump, which also serves the upstairs radiators. Together, they create a consistent, controllable warmth throughout the home.

“Working from home and being here most of the day, I’d got used to it being really cold, but now it’s just a constant pleasant temperature.” Lis, East Oxford

The retrofit measures included:

• 2kWp Solar PV array
• Traditional timber sash windows with double glazing
• Air source heat pump
• Internal wall wood fibre insulation (IWI)
• Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI)
• Loft insulation on the main roof with a controlled ventilation system
• Flat roof insulation on the backroom extension
• Underfloor heating and insulated floors

The house is beautifully finished and retains all the character of a period terrace – you’d never guess what’s behind the walls.

Low-carbon heating, high comfort living

Replacing the wood burner was a tough decision, but one the couple knew aligned with their values. The air source heat pump not only delivers a steady, clean heat – it eliminates the indoor air pollution associated with burning logs.

The system is supported by a solar PV array on the south-facing roof, which powers the heat pump and feeds into a thermal store. The setup is ready for future electric vehicle charging, giving Lis and Sarah the option to extend their low-carbon lifestyle.

Deep insulation – without compromise

Throughout the house, insulation was installed to reduce heat loss and improve comfort. In the loft, rock wool and aluminium spreader plates now keep warmth in where it matters. The floors are lined with natural insulation between joists. On the walls, breathable wood fibre boards were applied over a lime base coat, offering both thermal protection and moisture control – key for a house of this age.

Even the sash windows were upgraded. Specially made timber frames with enhanced glazing retain the home’s heritage appearance while vastly improving energy performance. Durable and repairable, they offer beauty and long-term value.

Results you can feel – and measure

The difference is tangible: warmth, quiet, and comfort. But there are measurable gains too. Energy use has dropped. Emissions have plummeted. And all of it was achieved while maintaining the house’s character and charm.

The work was based on a Whole House Plan – a tailored roadmap that prioritised improvements and projected energy savings based on their actual home. With Cosy Homes’ guidance, Lis and Sarah were able to take confident, informed steps toward a future-ready home.

“I think if anybody was thinking about going to Cosy Homes Oxfordshire and talking to them about doing the Whole House Plan, I would absolutely say go for it. I’m not sure we could have done this without them.” Lis, East Oxford

Thinking of retrofitting your home?

Lis and Sarah’s journey shows what’s possible with the right support. If you’re based in Oxfordshire and want to create a home that’s warmer, greener, and more energy efficient – we’re here to help.

Start by speaking to our team about getting a Whole House Plan – your personalised roadmap to a warmer, more comfortable, low-carbon home. Call 0330 223 2742 (Monday to Friday), or send us a message to start your journey.

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