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Looking for inspiration for your own home? Explore our collection of ‘A House Like Mine’ case studies featuring a wide variety of property types – from Victorian terraces to modern flats.

These stories show how homeowners across Oxfordshire have used tailored Whole House Plans to map out upgrades that enhance comfort, lower energy bills, and reduce carbon emissions.

Find out what’s possible for your property and take the first step towards a more energy-efficient, comfortable home.

Pre-1900s mid-terrace, Kingston Road, Oxford

Current EPC rating: 66 D. Potential EPC rating: 91B

Owner-occupied mid-terrace in a conservation area

This case study features a 4-bedroom mid-terrace home, occupied by two adults, located in a conservation area. With a total floor area of 144 m² (1,550 ft²), the property combines solid brick walls with a cavity wall rear extension, solid concrete floors, and a pitched roof with a room-in-roof design.

The home currently has timber double-glazed windows, including a bay window, and an annual energy use of 24,225 kWh – equating to 170 kWh per square metre. Its carbon emissions stand at 5 tonnes per year, highlighting the potential for significant energy savings and carbon reduction through carefully planned upgrades.

1950s semi-detached, Marston, Oxford

Current EPC rating: 67 D. Potential EPC rating: 97A

Family home with room to improve energy efficiency

This case study focuses on a semi-detached, 3-bedroom home occupied by a family of five – two adults and three children. The property has a total floor area of 95 m² (1,023 ft²) and features cavity walls with a timber frame extension, solid concrete floors, and a pitched roof with a loft.

The home is fitted with uPVC double-glazed windows and has an annual energy use of 15,978 kWh, which equates to 170 kWh per square metre. Current carbon emissions are 3.3 tonnes per year, indicating opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact through strategic upgrades.

1900s detached, Botley, Oxford

Current EPC rating: 47 E. Potential EPC rating: 92A

Detached family home with potential for significant energy savings

This case study features a 3-bedroom detached home occupied by two adults and one child. With a total floor area of 138 m² (1,485 ft²), the property is built with solid brick walls, suspended timber floors, and a pitched roof with a loft.

The windows are a mix of single and double glazing, combining timber and uPVC frames, with multiple bay windows adding character to the home. Annual energy use is currently 38,180 kWh, equivalent to 276 kWh per square metre, resulting in carbon emissions of 7.1 tonnes per year. These figures highlight significant opportunities to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions through a carefully designed retrofit plan.

1950s steel-framed ‘Howard House’, Rose Hill, Oxford

Current EPC rating: 59 D. Potential EPC rating: 95A

Semi-detached steel-frame home with energy-saving opportunities

This case study focuses on a 3-bedroom semi-detached home occupied by one adult. The property spans 100 m² (1,076 ft²) and features a unique steel-frame construction with cement panel infill, suspended timber floors, and a low-pitched steel roof with a loft and a flat roof section.

The windows are uPVC double glazed, contributing to some energy efficiency. However, the home’s annual energy use is 22,400 kWh, equating to 224 kWh per square metre, with carbon emissions of 4.7 tonnes per year. These figures suggest significant potential for improvement through a tailored Whole House Plan, enabling the property to become more energy-efficient and future-ready.

1920s semi-detached, Rose Hill, Oxford

Current EPC rating: 62 D. Potential EPC: 98A

Compact semi-detached home with modern windows and retrofit potential

This case study showcases a 3-bedroom semi-detached home occupied by two adults. With a floor area of 84 m² (904 ft²), the property features solid brick walls, a combination of suspended timber and solid floors, and a pitched roof with a loft.

The home has recently upgraded to new uPVC double-glazed windows, including a bay window, helping improve thermal performance. Despite this, annual energy use remains at 16,600 kWh – equivalent to 197 kWh per square metre – with carbon emissions of 2.8 tonnes per year. A tailored Whole House Plan could identify opportunities to further enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and create a more comfortable living environment.

1930s semi-detached, Rose Hill, Oxford

Current EPC rating: 65 D. Potential EPC: 99A

Energy-saving potential in a cosy semi-detached home

This case study features a 3-bedroom semi-detached home occupied by a retired couple. With a compact floor area of 70 m² (753 ft²), the property has cavity walls with solid bay window walls, suspended timber floors, and a pitched roof with a loft.

The windows are double-glazed uPVC, including bay windows that add character to the home. The property’s annual energy use is 13,644 kWh, which translates to 188 kWh per square metre, with carbon emissions of 2.8 tonnes per year. A bespoke Whole House Plan could help identify ways to optimise energy efficiency, reduce bills, and improve comfort in this well-loved home.

1940s semi-detached, St. Clements, Oxford

Current EPC rating: 67 D. Potential EPC: 91 A

Spacious semi-detached home with room to improve efficiency

This case study focuses on a large 4-bedroom semi-detached home occupied by two adults. With a generous floor area of 222 m² (2,389 ft²), the property features cavity walls, a mix of suspended timber and solid floors, and a pitched roof with a room-in-roof design.

The windows are timber, a combination of single and double glazing, which offer some insulation but leave room for upgrades. The home’s annual energy use is 32,982 kWh, equating to 150 kWh per square metre, with carbon emissions of 6.4 tonnes per year. By following a tailored Whole House Plan, the property could achieve significant energy savings while enhancing comfort and sustainability.

Pre-1900s mid-terrace, Osney Island, Oxford

Current EPC rating: 64 D. Potential EPC: 92A

Characterful mid-terrace home with diverse energy-saving opportunities

This case study highlights a 5-bedroom mid-terrace home, occupied by a couple with lodgers, situated in a conservation area. Spanning 177 m² (1,905 ft²), the property combines solid brick and cavity walls, solid concrete floors, and a pitched roof with rooms-in-roof.

The timber windows are a mix of single, secondary, and double glazing, reflecting the property’s unique character but leaving room for energy efficiency improvements. With an annual energy use of 25,712 kWh – equivalent to 146 kWh per square metre – and carbon emissions of 5.2 tonnes per year, a bespoke Whole House Plan could help identify targeted upgrades to improve comfort, cut costs, and reduce environmental impact while respecting its heritage features.

Discover more pages with tips, advice, and stories to guide your retrofit journey:

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