How to Retrofit your Terrace Property to Passivhaus Standards with MTA
We specialise in transforming London’s historic terrace homes - Edwardian, Georgian, and Victorian. How can an existing traditional terraced house meet Passivhaus standards? We can help, from insulation to ventilation. You can future-proof your home for energy efficiency, comfort, and increasing its long-term value.
1. High Thermal Insulation - Invest in the Long Term
It's easy to focus on short-term costs - but proper insulation is one of the smartest long-term investments you can make. Without it, energy escapes quickly and bills stay high.
The walls, floors, and roof can be upgraded with modern, high-performance insulation that meets or exceeds today's U-value targets. This will improve winter warmth, reduce heating costs, and boosts your home’s value - paying off season after season.
2. Airtight Construction - Stop Invisible Energy Leaks
Air leaks may be out of sight, but they’re never out of impact. Draughts and gaps silently drain heat and increase energy bills.
Specialist membranes, tapes, and sealing techniques can be used to create a highly airtight building envelope. The result? Less heat loss, fewer damp problems, and a more stable, comfortable indoor climate all year round.
3. High-Performance Windows - Avoid Condensation and Energy Loss
Many homeowners hesitate to replace original windows - but old glazing often means condensation, cold spots, and heat loss.
Triple-glazed, high-performance windows will enhance efficiency while respecting your home’s character. Where full replacement isn’t possible - such as Listed buildings - we can prepare tailored upgrades to improve thermal performance while preserving heritage features. A balance of period character and comfort.
4. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) - Breathe Clean, Stay Warm
Cracking open a window may seem like the best way to get fresh air - but in winter, it wastes heat and money.
Instead, a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems will deliver filtered, fresh air without losing warmth. By recovering heat from outgoing stale air, MVHR keeps your home healthy and energy-efficient - without the chill.
5. Absence of Thermal Bridges - Eliminate Hidden Heat Loss
Not all heat escapes through windows or doors. Thermal bridges - often found at junctions between walls, roofs, and floors - can cause unexpected heat loss and condensation.
We help identify and address these weak points as part of your retrofit. By improving detailing and continuity across surfaces, your home can stay warm, dry, and efficient from top to bottom.
RESULT:
Efficient Heating - Cost-Effective Comfort
Traditional radiators heat the air unevenly and take up space. But with the above upgrades an air source heat pump linked to underfloor heating systems would provide radiant, consistent warmth , at low cost. Air source heat pumps were perfectly with an airtight, well-insulated homes.
Whether your floors are suspended timber or solid, we’ll help find the best solution to maximise comfort and efficiency.
BONUS:
Energy Generation - Future Proof your Finances
With rising energy prices, generating your own power is more valuable than ever.
Solar PV panels, hybrid inverters, and battery storage, will allow you to produce, store, and use your own electricity. It’s a smart way to cut carbon, reduce bills, and make your home more resilient to future price changes.
Let MTA help you Retrofit Smarter
At MTA, we understand what makes homeowners hesitate - and how to turn those doubts into confident decisions. We can help upgrade your period home to meet Passivhaus standards with minimal stress and maximum reward.
Beautiful homes. Saving energy. From costly to efficient.