Smart planning, leveraging strong supplier partnerships and adding a dash of healthy professional pride can help SHDF-funded retrofit projects do more than just meet decarbonisation targets and satisfy compliance requirements; they can help support and deliver meaningful benefits for residents, enhance the aesthetic appeal whilst protecting the character of the existing homes, and offer tangible cost reductions on electricity bills.
Explore the case study below to see how Westward Housing’s retrofit project at Holsworthy in Devon maximised value by taking an integrated approach to roofing and solar.
Taking a closer look: the fine details
As part of its wider decarbonisation programme, Westward upgraded 35 occupied social homes with new roof coverings, in-roof solar PV and thermal insulation. Funded through SHDF Wave 2.1, the project aimed to reduce energy demand, improve comfort and lower running costs whilst strengthening the long-term performance of the housing stock.
Marley supplied Ludlow Major and Modern concrete roof tiles in Smooth Brown, selected to complement the existing homes and maintain the rural character of Holsworthy. The properties were also fitted with our SolarTile® panels, providing discreet in-roof solar PV.
“The Marley SolarTile® sits flush with the roof, so it’s more visually appealing and residents really like how they look,” says Jamey Jeffery, Property Investment and Decarbonisation Manager at Westward Housing. “But the biggest benefit is the reduction in electricity bills.”
Getting more out of your budget
Combining roof replacement with solar installation helped Westward make better use of scaffolding, reduce disruption for residents and avoid repeat access requirements in the years ahead.
Marley supported the scheme from the early stages, providing pre-specification guidance, NBS documentation and technical input to help meet SHDF requirements. The team also worked with Westward, contractor Sureserve and the supplier to support material availability, installation quality and sign-off.
The results exceeded the original performance expectations. While the target was to uplift the homes to EPC C, many are now rated A or B.
For residents, the benefits have been clear. Homes are warmer, quieter and no longer draughty, with noticeable reductions in monthly energy bills. The visual improvement has also been welcomed, with one resident saying: “The houses look ten times better than they did originally. We feel proud of where we live.”
For professionals working on retrofit, refurbishment and social housing decarbonisation, Holsworthy demonstrates the value of early collaboration with a manufacturer to support compliance, aesthetic quality and improved building performance.