Energy efficiency plays a vital role in shaping how our homes feel, function and perform over time. It’s not only about lowering bills, it’s about creating spaces that are comfortable to live in, kinder to the environment and designed to last.
Whether you’re embarking on a new build or upgrading an existing property, the choices made during design and construction will have a lasting impact. At Marraum, we’ve seen how small, thoughtful decisions at every stage can add up to big differences in efficiency and quality of life.
Here are some of the key ways energy efficiency can be maximised in both new builds and renovations.
Start with orientation and layout
Cornwall’s coastal position brings plenty of natural light, but also exposure to wind, rain and the increasingly common summer heatwave. How a home sits on its plot makes a big difference:
- Passive solar gain: South-facing windows can capture valuable warmth and natural light during the cooler months. To avoid overheating in summer, features like overhangs, shutters or even strategic planting can help manage excess heat.
- Zoning spaces: Placing living areas to make the most of daylight and views, while keeping utility rooms in cooler, more sheltered spots, helps balance comfort and efficiency.
- Sheltering from winds: On exposed coastal sites, careful positioning and landscaping can protect a home from prevailing winds while still taking advantage of open views.
Insulation and airtightness
Cornwall’s damp, maritime climate means insulation must do more than just retain warmth, it also needs to manage moisture.
- Natural materials: Options like wood fibre and sheep’s wool are not only sustainable but also breathable, helping to regulate humidity and reduce condensation risks.
- Airtight detailing: Preventing draughts is essential for reducing heat loss, particularly in older granite or stone-built properties like our Future-proofed Farmhouse project. However, this must be paired with controlled ventilation to maintain fresh, healthy air indoors.
Windows and glazing choices
Beautiful views are often a major attraction of a Cornish home, but large areas of glazing can be a source of energy loss if not carefully specified. Here are some key considerations:
- Triple glazing: Particularly useful in exposed or coastal locations where wind and salt spray are common, such as our Coastal Tardis project, triple glazing offers better insulation and durability.
- Low-emissivity coatings: These allow light in while helping to keep heat inside, a balance that’s ideal for Cornwall’s cooler seasons.
- Frame materials: Timber, aluminium or composite frames will suit different styles of property and will need to be considered for your specific budget and location.
Renewable energy integration
Homes in Cornwall are well-placed to take advantage of renewable technologies, due to its natural resources and environment:
- Solar panels: With Cornwall being one of the sunniest parts of the UK, solar PV and solar thermal panels can provide excellent returns, especially when paired with battery storage.
- Heat pumps: Air-source heat pumps are increasingly popular and well-suited to Cornwall’s mild winters, while ground-source pumps can be effective on larger rural sites.
- Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR): A system that ensures fresh air while recycling heat, ideal for airtight homes where coastal damp might otherwise be an issue.
Smart design in renovations
Many Cornish homes are rich in character, from stone cottages to Victorian terraces. Our projects are a testament to this, with a range of settings and builds unique to Cornwall and its architectural history. Retrofitting them for energy efficiency requires a sensitive approach:
- Fabric-first upgrades: Improving insulation, glazing and airtightness should be the priority before adding renewable systems.
- Phased improvements: Tackling changes step by step, such as roof insulation, then windows, then wall upgrades, can spread out investment while steadily improving performance.
- Respecting character: In conservation areas or listed properties, efficiency upgrades need to be carefully detailed to preserve the building’s heritage and local identity.
Designing for now and for the future
Energy efficiency isn’t just about saving money on bills today. It’s about building resilience against rising energy costs, changing climates and evolving building standards.
At Marraum, we bring this future-focused mindset to each of our projects, whether it’s a contemporary new build overlooking the sea or a sensitive renovation of a traditional cottage. By combining local knowledge with innovative design and VR technology, we help our clients create homes that sit beautifully within Cornwall’s landscape while performing brilliantly for generations to come.