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Woodfield House: From Heritage School to High-Efficiency Homes
In the heart of West Sussex, a disused school steeped in history was ready for a new chapter. Once the headquarters of Tangmere RAF, a pivotal site during Britain’s air defence in World War II, the building carried immense heritage value
Client: BHW Ltd
Services: SAP 10.2 Conversion Compliance & Air Tightness Testing
Location: Tangmere, West Sussex
The Challenge
Thick masonry walls, limited insulation options, and restrictions on altering the historic façade made achieving modern Part L (SAP) compliance a complex task. The developer’s vision to convert the site into 19 self-contained flats was further complicated by the need to ensure every unit achieved a minimum EPC rating of C ahead of the upcoming MEES 2030 standards for the private rental sector.
Our Approach
Working closely with the developer, Energy Report Limited designed a clear and achievable strategy that respected both the building’s history and the project’s commercial constraints.
Solar PV was ruled out early due to roof limitations and cost restrictions—so attention turned to the building fabric and heating systems. Our team modelled each unit using SAP 10.2, identifying opportunities for improvement through:
- Enhanced insulation to the building envelope where structure allowed.
- High heat retention modern storage heaters to optimise efficiency without the need for complex installation.
- Carefully managed airtightness targets to balance comfort with compliance.
Every flat underwent detailed testing and verification, ensuring each result aligned with compliance pathways and avoiding on-site confusion or delay. Communication between the design and build teams was constant—allowing work to continue at pace with full confidence in the energy strategy.
The Outcome
Despite the building’s limitations, all 19 flats achieved EPC ratings of C or better. The project not only preserved the period character of the old school but also delivered energy performance suitable for the rental market of the future.
The success of Woodfield House stands as proof that with the right modelling, advice, and collaboration, even complex heritage conversions can meet modern standards—without compromise.
Why It Matters
Upgrading heritage and existing buildings is central to the UK’s decarbonisation journey. The Woodfield House project shows that MEES 2030 compliance doesn’t have to mean expensive renewables or disruptive redesigns—it’s about strategic thinking, technical insight, and teamwork.
Building certification, compliance and testing.
For practical solutions to heritage or complex retrofit compliance
Get in touch at www.energyreport.co.uk
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