The Greenest House is a conceptual housing model which aims to address the challenges in the UK housing market. This concept was created by Office Ten Architecture, along with JAW Sustainability and a range of other partnered specialists.
A New Model for Sustainable Housing Development
The Greenest House concept aims to address fundamental issues within the UK housing market, including housing shortages, rising property costs and the environmental impact of existing housing stock.
Rather than focusing on maximum profit extraction, the model proposes reinvesting development value back into the property, enabling improvements that deliver social, economic and environmental benefits.
The concept begins with a traditional UK terraced house, which is extended and converted into two separate dwellings to increase housing supply. Following this conversion, the property undergoes a deep retrofit and sustainability upgrade, including fabric improvements and the integration of low-carbon technologies.
Energy and Carbon Performance Assessment
JAW Sustainability conducted a detailed energy and carbon performance analysis to evaluate the potential improvements in building energy efficiency and carbon emissions resulting from the Greenest House concept.
The assessment reviewed the refurbishment, extension and conversion of a terraced dwelling, including thermal fabric upgrades and the integration of renewable energy technologies.
Following JAW’s recommended thermal envelope improvements and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) system upgrades, the proposed building was shown to achieve an 88% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared with minimum UK Building Regulations requirements.
Low-Carbon Technologies and Retrofit Strategy
The analysis demonstrates significant potential for energy efficiency improvements and carbon reduction in residential buildings when development value is reinvested into building fabric upgrades and renewable energy systems.
Key sustainability measures included:
Photovoltaic panels (PV systems) for on-site renewable electricity generation
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) to replace fossil fuel heating systems
High-performance building fabric improvements to reduce heat loss and improve thermal comfort
These strategies contribute to a low-carbon housing retrofit approach, improving both energy performance and long-term environmental sustainability.
Further Research and Collaboration
JAW Sustainability will continue collaborating with Office Ten Architecture on the Greenest House concept, contributing further research and publications focused on affordable low-carbon housing solutions.
The project aims to demonstrate how sustainable retrofit strategies and innovative housing economics can support community-focused housing development, benefiting local communities, housing supply and the wider environment.
JAW would like to thank Office Ten Architecture for the invitation to be part of this project. Click the button below to visit the official Greenest House website.