A Preston-based architect has joined forces with Skipton Building Society to undertake an innovative retrofitting project. 

The team from ECD Architects are set to work on a 1930s residential property, owned by the building society, to enable it to become more energy-efficient. 

ECD, alongside other contractors, will transform the current EPC-rated D property into an energy-efficient home, with a goal EPC rating of B, with the primary focus of providing homeowners and landlords with practical insights and guidance for retrofitting their own properties as cost-effectively as possible. 

Leeds Beckett and Leeds universities will collect the data and insights on the building’s energy performance, to quantify ECD’s low environmental impact designs.

Managing director at ECD Architects, James Traynor, said: “Retrofit is one of the core areas of our business. 

"We’ve retrofitted thousands of homes across the UK to lower their environmental impact and so it’s wonderful to be working in partnership with Skipton, who are as passionate about reducing energy consumption in homes as we are. 

"We’re delighted to be leading the retrofit for this pioneering project and can’t wait to see the results, in the hope they inspire even more people to reduce energy consumption in their homes.”

Chief executive of Homes at Skipton Group, Charlotte Harrison, said:  "ECD’s experience in retrofitting homes across the UK makes for a perfect partnership in the project to transform Regent Road. 

"With a target of upgrading the property from an EPC rating of D to B, this project will not only improve the property’s environmental performance but also provide practical insights and guidance to homeowners and landlords who may be planning on going through this journey themselves. 

“Given the government's upcoming EPC mandates, this initiative offers a timely and cost-effective solution for those looking to future-proof their properties, we look forward to working with ECD and other local businesses to achieve this project.”

ECD Architects has a 60-plus-strong team and also has offices in London and Glasgow.