Our Work

Rural Farmhouse

Project Summary

Introduction

This project involved a whole house retrofit at Brackenthwaite Farm, a traditionally constructed rural farmhouse delivered as part of the Cosy Homes in Lancashire programme.

Bambers Building Contractors were responsible not only for the delivery of the works, but also for the design and specification of the retrofit measures, ensuring the solution was technically appropriate for a solid wall, heritage style property. From a resident and community perspective, the project was vital in creating a warmer, healthier home while reducing long term energy costs in an exposed rural location.

Project Overview

A Tailored Retrofit for Traditional Construction

The works included the replacement of existing single glazed timber windows and doors with energy efficient double glazed UPVC units, alongside the design and installation of a vapour open internal wall insulation system to all external walls. A SWIP vapour open IWI system was specified to ensure moisture movement was managed correctly and the performance of the traditional structure was protected.

Ventilation upgrades were carefully designed and integrated into the overall retrofit strategy, ensuring compliance with current standards while supporting improved indoor air quality and occupant wellbeing. All works were delivered while the property remained occupied and operational as a working farmhouse, adding further complexity to the programme.

Project Details

Property Type

Rural farmhouse — traditional solid wall construction

Programme

Cosy Homes in Lancashire

Scope

Full design, specification and installation

Occupancy

Property remained occupied throughout works

24 Days

Duration

£43,600

Total Cost

Lancashire

Location

Occupied

During Works

Challenges

Overcoming Challenges

Rural and exposed location subject to stormy and unsettled weather conditions impacting external works
Traditionally constructed thick solid walls with lime mortar joints and variable substrates
Careful consideration required to avoid moisture related risks in traditional construction
Property remained occupied and operational as a working business throughout works

Solutions

How We Delivered

External works programmed around weather forecasts with flexible scheduling
Vapour open IWI system specified to be sympathetic to traditional construction
On site technical adjustments to fixings, coring methods and ventilation routes
Phased delivery splitting activity between upstairs and downstairs to minimise disruption

Internal Wall Insulation

Design and installation of a vapour open IWI system to all external walls, ensuring moisture movement was managed correctly for traditional solid wall construction.

Windows & Doors

Replacement of existing single glazed timber windows and doors with energy efficient double glazed UPVC units throughout the property.

Ventilation Upgrades

Extractor fans, trickle vents and airflow improvements designed and integrated into the overall retrofit strategy for improved indoor air quality.

Electrical Adaptations

Electrical and mechanical adaptations to accommodate insulation depth and complex wall build ups throughout the property.

Heritage Detailing

Careful detailing around chimney breasts, alcoves, stone walls and existing architectural features to preserve the character of the farmhouse.

Vapour Open System Design

SWIP vapour open IWI system specified to ensure moisture compatibility and protect the long term performance of the traditional structure.

Value Added

For residents and the community

The project delivered a warmer, healthier home with improved comfort, better air quality and reduced energy bills. Clear communication and phased working helped minimise disruption, supporting wellbeing and daily life throughout the retrofit process.

For the client

The scheme provides long term asset performance improvements, supports compliance with retrofit and ventilation standards and contributes to wider decarbonisation goals across Lancashire. The tailored design approach reduces future maintenance risk and protects traditional building fabric.

As a company

This project demonstrates Bambers Building Contractors’ expertise in both designing and delivering complex retrofit solutions for traditionally constructed, occupied properties. It highlights our technical capability, resident centred approach and ability to manage risk while supporting local employment through in house delivery.

Public Impact

The completed works have resulted in visibly improved comfort, modernised windows and doors and a healthier internal environment. Resident feedback highlighted professionalism, cleanliness and care throughout the project, reinforcing the importance of trust and communication in occupied retrofit delivery. The project also strengthened Bambers’ experience in delivering design led retrofit solutions for traditional housing stock.

Total Cost

£43,600

Before Gallery