INCA Case Study: The Old Parsonage Upton Magna

Project Detail

Transforming Tradition: A Seamless Blend of Efficiency and Style in Shropshire

Set amid the rolling hills of rural Shropshire, The Old Parsonage in Upton Magna is more than just a home, it’s a conversation between past and present. This standout project is a celebration of how intelligent design, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge insulation technology can work in harmony to preserve a building’s historic soul while transforming its performance for the future.

What began as a traditional property with charm aplenty has now emerged as a bold blueprint for modern retrofitting. With the help of PRB’s Thermolook External Wall Insulation system, the renovation has not only preserved the home’s character, but it has also dramatically enhanced its thermal performance, durability, and visual appeal.

Blending Old and New: Extension Meets Innovation

Some of the standout features of the project are the newly constructed double-storey side extension, which replaces the old garage, along with a sleek single-storey rear extension. Both additions were thoughtfully designed to not only expand the living space but also to align seamlessly with the renovation’s energy efficiency goals and contemporary aesthetic. A new roof was also installed as part of the works, significantly improving the home’s thermal performance. In addition, the original twisted wooden floors were replaced with insulated concrete floors, enhancing thermal mass and contributing to a more stable internal temperature year-round.

To ensure the extension performed as efficiently as the upgraded main house, 150mm cavity wall insulation was used. The homeowner’s vision was clear: the new build elements should be indistinguishable from the original structure. PRB’s Thermolook system made this possible, offering a flawless, consistent finish that unified both the new and old sections of the property. Thanks to its sleek texture and durability, the system delivered a seamless blend, so much so, you wouldn’t know where the extension begins or ends.

Smart Insulation Choices for a Smarter Home

Central to the project’s success was the PRB Thermolook EWI system. 120mm of graphite-enhanced EPS insulation wraps the original structure, while the extensions benefit from 150mm cavity wall insulation, ensuring consistency in thermal performance across the entire building envelope. The system’s superior finish meant no visible line where old meets new, just one continuous, elegant façade.

This holistic approach to thermal efficiency yielded outstanding results, bringing the building’s external wall U-value down to an impressive 0.25 W/m²K, a dramatic improvement that exceeds current regulatory standards and speaks volumes about the quality of materials and design precision involved.

The uniformity in texture, coupled with advanced weather resistance, means the home is not only visually striking but built to endure. The Thermolook topcoat provides the finishing touch, crisp, clean, and classic, with the durability to withstand the British elements for decades to come.

A Leap in Energy Performance

 Energy Efficiency That Speaks for Itself

This wasn’t just about aesthetics. From day one, the goal was clear, deliver a home that performs as beautifully as it looks. By targeting key areas of heat loss with precision-applied insulation, the project has made a substantial leap in energy efficiency, one that’s evident in both data and daily life.

With the building now achieving a U-value of 0.25 W/m²K, the thermal envelope is not only compliant but futureproofed, delivering consistent comfort and drastically reducing the energy required to heat the home.

In the Words of the Homeowner

“Since updating our home with PRB’s EPS external wall insulation system, we’ve noticed a remarkable difference. The house feels warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and we no longer deal with drafts or chilly spots. The energy savings have been impressive, too, with our heating bills dropping noticeably. The EPC upgrade is amazing, it has significantly improved our energy efficiency rating, and we’re thrilled to see our home now rated higher. Not only has this made our home more comfortable and eco-friendlier, but it’s also increased its overall value. Plus, the sleek, modern look of the system has really enhanced our curb appeal. We are over the moon with the final finish. The transformation is beyond what we imagined, and we couldn’t be happier with the results!”

A Model for the Future of Retrofitting

The Old Parsonage, Upton Magna is more than a renovation, it’s a roadmap. It proves that with the right materials, expert support, and an eye for both detail and design, even the most traditional homes can rise to meet the environmental standards of tomorrow.

It’s also a powerful testament to PRB’s commitment to quality, innovation, and technical excellence. From planning to execution, the collaboration between the EWI team and the homeowner has resulted in a home that doesn’t just meet expectations, it redefines them.