Raven Housing Trust
Surrey
Baily Garner was appointed in a multidisciplinary capacity to design and specify energy efficiency upgrades for a portfolio of residential properties owned by Raven Housing Trust. The work supported Raven’s funding application under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 1, with construction commencing in summer 2022 and completing in late 2023.
The initial brief focused on just eight properties but quickly expanded to include 26 homes—a mix of houses and bungalows of varying archetypes. This diversity introduced significant complexity, requiring designs that could accommodate a wide range of construction styles and thermal performance characteristics. On top of that, Raven set ambitious performance targets: each home needed to achieve an EPC rating of A, a space heat demand of just 50 kWh/m²/year, and compliance with PAS 2035. The project also had to be delivered to strict timelines to align with SHDF Wave 1 deadlines and prepare for Wave 2.1 funding.
To meet the technical and programme challenges, Baily Garner provided a full design and specification pack for the initial properties (Lot 1), and an archetype-based design approach for the expanded group (Lot 2). We coordinated across multiple disciplines—Building Surveying, Health & Safety, Employer’s Agent services, and PAS 2035 compliance—to produce a fully integrated solution. Our design approach included a mineral-based external wall insulation system, triple glazed windows and doors, internal and cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, and the installation of photovoltaic panels. Heating and ventilation upgrades were tailored by property type: bungalows received mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, while houses were fitted with demand-controlled mechanical extract systems. Air source heat pumps were incorporated throughout.
We also led on consultation with legal, regulatory and third-party stakeholders to ensure all statutory and compliance obligations were addressed during the design phase. The design specification was issued in February 2022, with addendums following in March to finalise the tender documentation.
The works commenced on schedule in summer 2022 and concluded in November 2023, positioning Raven Housing Trust to transition seamlessly into its SHDF Wave 2.1 programme in early 2024. All 26 properties achieved the targeted performance metrics, including EPC A ratings and significantly improved thermal comfort for residents. Our flexible, archetype-led design methodology ensured each home received a tailored solution, despite the variations in form and construction. Through our coordinated and multidisciplinary approach, Raven now benefits from a robust foundation of energy-efficient homes, aligned with national decarbonisation targets and future retrofit funding opportunities.
To find out more about our work on the Raven Housing Trust project, contact our Project Lead, Ben Nixon.
Take a look at similar projects
See all projectsBe part of the journey
We believe the best outcomes are built on partnerships rooted in purpose, driven by insight, and fuelled by ambition. Whether you’re shaping places, transforming communities or redefining what’s possible, we’re here to help you make it happen.
Bring your next project to life
We believe the best outcomes are built on partnerships rooted in purpose, driven by insight, and fuelled by ambition. Whether you're shaping places, transforming communities or redefining what’s possible, we’re here to help you make it happen.
Contact usJoin the team and do something amazing
Our multidisciplinary teams work with clarity and purpose to turn your vision into value. By combining insight, innovation, and technical excellence, we shape places that make a real difference.
Find out more