INCA Case Study: Bristol SHDF Retrofit Project

SHDF Retrofit Project, Bristol: Revitalising 68 Homes with EWI Pro’s Rockwool & Silicone Render System.

This Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund project in Bristol stands as a powerful testament to how targeted investment and expert delivery can uplift communities, improve lives, and decarbonise outdated housing stock. Located in one of the city’s most deprived areas, the project involved the full external refurbishment of 68 social housing properties, all of which suffered from severe thermal inefficiency, damp, and degraded façades.

To tackle these issues, a robust and high-performing solution was essential. The specified system was 100mm Rockwool insulation boards paired with EWI Pro’s Silicone Render finish. This was selected for its superior fire resistance, acoustic performance, and breathable structure. The system is fully BBA-approved and ideally suited for solid wall homes in densely populated urban areas.

Total Render Solutions Ltd carried out the installation to a meticulous standard, ensuring every aspect of the build-up – from substrate preparation to final render finish – met the highest technical expectations. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality were instrumental in the project’s success, guaranteeing not only technical compliance but also long-term performance and visual impact.

Thermal performance was transformed. Pre-retrofit U-values typically exceeded 1.8–2.0 W/m²K, contributing to fuel poverty and high energy bills. Following the installation of the EWI system, U-values were brought down to approximately 0.28 W/m²K—a dramatic improvement that directly benefits residents’ comfort and running costs. The homes will now benefit from reduced heating usage and improved indoor air quality.

The Rockwool mineral wool used in this system provides additional benefits beyond thermal efficiency. Its inherent fire-resistant properties offered peace of mind to residents and stakeholders, while its vapour-permeable composition allowed the walls to breathe, reducing condensation risks and ensuring long-term structural health.

The application of EWI Pro’s Silicone Render completed the transformation. Durable, flexible, and self-cleaning, the finish has not only weatherproofed the buildings but dramatically uplifted the area’s aesthetic. A coordinated colour scheme was developed in consultation with residents, resulting in a fresh, cohesive look that has helped to restore local pride.

The project was delivered in partnership with EWI Pro’s technical team, the appointed main contractor, Total Render Solutions Ltd, and the local authority. EWI Pro provided on-site training, detailing guidance, and thermal modelling support to ensure the system was correctly installed and compliant with PAS 2035 standards.

The social impact has been immense. Residents have spoken of warmer homes, lower bills, and improved mental wellbeing. This Bristol retrofit exemplifies what SHDF funding is designed to achieve: high-quality, low-carbon, tenant-focused regeneration, using proven EWI systems that deliver long-term benefits. It’s a shining example of external wall insulation as a tool for both energy transition and social renewal.