5 Steps to a greener house extension or renovation
5 Steps to a greener house extension or renovation
Architectural Design Insights | Alistair Crerar
Build a sustainable, energy-efficient home extension with expert architectural guidance from Acre Design, trusted by homeowners across North Tyneside, Newcastle, and Northumberland
If you’re planning to extend or renovate your home in Newcastle, Northumberland or North Tyneside, this is the perfect time to embed sustainability at the heart of your design. A well-planned, eco-friendly extension not only lowers running costs but also future-proofs your property and enhances long-term value.
Here are five practical ways to make your home extension greener, healthier and more efficient.
1. Upgrade insulation and glazing
Up to 40% of a home’s heat can be lost through walls, roofs, and poorly insulated windows. Investing in high-performance insulation and energy-efficient glazing will make an immediate difference. Consider triple glazing, airtight detailing, and natural insulation materials such as recycled denim, wood fibre or sheep’s wool. The result: lower bills, improved comfort, and a home that performs beautifully all year round.
2. Reuse and reduce water
A rainwater harvesting system can collect thousands of litres annually, perfect for flushing toilets, watering gardens or even running washing machines. Combine this with low-flow fittings, dual-flush toilets and aerated taps to make water efficiency part of everyday living — simple upgrades with lasting impact.
3. Smarter heating and control systems
Smart thermostats and zoning controls help you heat only where and when needed. Even reducing temperatures by one degree can make a noticeable difference to your energy use. Integrating smart controls into your renovation gives you greater comfort, insight, and savings — all while reducing waste.
4. Choose eco-friendly finishes
Sustainable design extends to the finishes you choose. Opt for VOC-free paints, lime or clay plasters, and FSC-certified timber flooring. Natural materials support healthy indoor air quality and create spaces that feel calm, tactile, and timeless — an aesthetic that complements Acre Design’s architectural approach.
5. Explore renewable energy options
If your project involves substantial upgrades, it’s an excellent opportunity to introduce renewable systems. Air-source and ground-source heat pumps, solar panels, or efficient biomass stoves can all reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower emissions. Our team can help you assess what’s feasible for your site, budget and long-term sustainability goals.
Plan your greener home with Acre Design
At Acre Design Newcastle, sustainability is part of our process — not an add-on. Whether you’re extending, refurbishing or self-building, we’ll help you make considered design decisions that reduce energy use and deliver a lasting return on investment.
View our recent sustainable projects or arrange a free consultation to start planning your greener home.
Common questions asked by homeowners looking for architects in Newcastle and across the North East
Whether you’re planning an extension, loft conversion, or new build, these frequently asked questions cover the essentials around design, planning, and working with Acre Design.
Start with high-quality insulation, triple glazing, and airtight detailing. These measures keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing energy waste and running costs. Acre Design integrates energy performance into the early stages of every extension design.
Opt for natural or responsibly sourced materials such as FSC-certified timber, VOC-free paints, lime or clay plasters, and recycled insulation products. These materials improve air quality and lower environmental impact without compromising on style.
Yes, extensions offer a perfect opportunity to integrate renewable systems such as air-source heat pumps, solar panels, or efficient stoves. These technologies can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower your long-term energy use.
Not necessarily. Many eco-friendly choices, such as better insulation or efficient glazing, quickly pay for themselves through reduced energy bills. Acre Design helps you balance upfront investment with long-term value and performance.
Sustainability is built into every Acre Design project from the start. We consider insulation, materials, orientation, glazing, and heating early in the design process to create extensions that perform efficiently and stand the test of time.
How a well-planned house extension can change everything
Many of our clients come to us with the same dilemma: They love their home, they love the area—but the …Designing comfort and better living in North Shields home
Our clients in North Shields had recently purchased a contemporary townhouse — a home spread across three levels with a …Designing a coastal forever home in Seaburn
Our clients in Seaburn, Sunderland, recently acquired a tired semi-detached house that hadn’t been updated for decades. Despite its condition, …Garage and rear extension design in Cullercoats, North Tyneside
In Cullercoats, North Tyneside, our clients approached Acre Design with the ambition of creating a home that better reflected their …Open plan living: your ultimate design guide
Creating an open plan living space is a great way to maximize the use of available space, while giving the …Property extension plans and designs in Northumberland
If you love your home but need more space, working with Acre Design to extend it can be a smarter …Our residential architectural portfolio
Explore how Acre Design has transformed homes across Newcastle, Northumberland, and North Tyneside. From elegant Victorian extensions to contemporary reconfigurations and countryside loft conversions.
Contact Acre Design
CAI Building, Royal Quays,
North Shields, NE29 6DE