Orientation: The home footprint is unchanged as the budget would not support an extension. Addressing the dysfunctional layout is a high priority in this home, it was agreed that the bulk of the budget would be spend altering the internal layout rather than purchasing new fittings and fixtures. The strategy was to open up the North-facing back of the home, currently occupied by bedrooms and wet areas, so that the living areas could be accommodated there and make the most of the sun and garden views.

Functionality: The home layout is considerably simplified by establishing a central access to all rooms. A separate entry is created at a logical point. The bathroom and laundry are located in the same room to save space and reduce costs.

Conservation: The owner bought second hand windows and kitchen cabinets, reused most fixtures and fittings and did some of the work herself (i.e. tiling and painting). While this was required by the budget, it also gives a second life to many discarded materials, an environmentally significant choice. Recycled Baltic floorboards were installed where old carpets were removed.

 Indoor air quality: Non-toxic tile glue is used; plasterboard is mechanically fixed rather than glued. Old carpets harbour mould and were removed from old bedrooms, replaced by timber floors and area rugs. Timber floors were finished with non-toxic linseed oil.

Insulation: R3.5 Polyester (fibre-free) insulation was placed in the roof space for winter conditions and a reflective membrane fixed to the underside of the rafters to cater for summer heat conditions as well. Reflective concertina insulation was installed under floor joists.

Water: New taps were purchased with a minimum WELS rating of 4*.

Next steps: If the budget allows in the future, the addition of a deck at the back would enhance the connection to the outdoors (the deck was designed to sit half way between the home floor level and the ground floor level, providing a pleasant transition to the outside). An additional valuable improvement would be to retrofit double-glazing to existing windows.