INCA Case Study: Church Lane Bungalows, Bristol

Project Overview

Delivered in partnership with Joyner Group and Bromford Housing Association, the complex PAS 2035-compliant retrofit of the Church Lane Bungalows project in Cromhall, South Gloucestershire, involved 10 occupied bungalows and represents a standout example of best practice in External Wall Insulation (EWI) and whole-house retrofit.

K Systems provides innovative, robust, and sustainable EWI solutions that enhance building performance while supporting the UK’s net-zero and decarbonisation goals. The Church Lane project exemplifies our commitment to technical excellence, collaboration, and community impact.

Background

Bromford is one of the UK’s largest housing associations, managing over 47,000 homes across the West Midlands and West of England. As part of its mission to ensure all properties reach a minimum EPC C rating by 2028, Bromford embarked on an ambitious programme of retrofit works in partnership with Joyner Group.

Church Lane Bungalows formed part of this wider initiative. The properties, though structurally sound, required a full upgrade to improve energy efficiency, tackle fuel poverty, and modernise living conditions for tenants – many of whom are elderly or vulnerable.

Challenges

This £600,000 project came with a series of challenges:

• Occupied Properties: All 10 bungalows remained inhabited throughout the retrofit, requiring sensitive scheduling, clear communication with tenants, and minimum disruption.
• Comprehensive Retrofit Scope: In addition to EWI, the works involved roof replacement, installation of renewable technologies (PV and air source heat pumps), full internal upgrades, and insulation enhancements.
• Asbestos Complications: During the project, asbestos insulating board (AIB) was identified. Safe and timely removal was critical to maintain programme momentum.
• Cavity Wall Issues: Existing insulation had to be extracted, corroded wall ties replaced, and new cavity insulation installed – all while ensuring the structural integrity of the buildings was maintained.

The K Systems Solution

To meet the project’s thermal and aesthetic requirements, K Systems M EWI system was specified. The system included:

• 110mm rock mineral wool insulation: Offering high thermal performance, non-combustibility, and excellent breathability.
• Silicone TC15 render: Durable and water-repellent render finish, providing long-term weather protection.
• VBriQ acrylic brick slips: Delivering a traditional brick-effect finish that complemented the local vernacular and preserved the character of the bungalows, whilst maximising the available the budget and still offering a system with A2-s1,d0 fire rating and Category 1 impact rating.

The K Systems M system was chosen for its versatility, safety credentials, and ability to integrate seamlessly with other building fabric upgrades, including the new roof coverings and replacement doors and windows.

Delivery

Despite the complexity of the project, Joyner Group – supported by K Systems technical teams – delivered the installation to a high standard, with stand-out elements including:

• Asbestos Removal: Partnering with Wring Group, Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) was safely removed with minimal impact on timelines.
• Resident Engagement: Communication was key. Tenants were kept informed throughout the works and supported through any disruption.
• Installation Excellence: The K Systems M system was installed in strict compliance with PAS 2035 guidelines, ensuring long-term durability and thermal efficiency.

Outcomes

The project achieved all key objectives and delivered measurable benefits, including:

• Energy Efficiency: All homes now meet or exceed EPC C standards, significantly reducing heat loss and energy bills.
• Improved Comfort: Tenants enjoy warmer, quieter homes with enhanced ventilation and water heating systems.
• Aesthetic Transformation: The EWI system revitalised the appearance of the homes, giving them a contemporary, cohesive look.
• Tenant Satisfaction: Feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive, with many citing noticeable improvements in warmth and living quality.

Testimonials

“Throughout this challenging project, with properties remaining in occupation, K Systems worked in partnership with ourselves, enabling all key performance targets to be achieved. Their proactive and practical approach to providing resolutions to any issues encountered ensured we were able to deliver a quality service for our client and most importantly the residents.”

Hugh Dalton, Business Development Manager, Joyner Group

“Bromford Housing was excited to undertake its first PAS2035 retrofit project at its Church Lane site with Joyner PA. These ten bungalows had suffered from under investment for many years; they had poor energy performance for the mostly elderly residents, and their appearance was not something to be proud of.

“Bromford is delighted with the outcome of the project and the installations undertaken by Joyner PA which included full wrap EWI, new roofs, windows, doors and solar PV. The energy performance of these bungalows is now much improved – all attaining a higher EPC score. The change in appearance is striking, these homes are now among the smartest in the village.

“The final results of this project have provided homes that our customers can be proud to live in and fulfil Bromford’s core goal of providing homes that allow customers to thrive.”

David Wootton, Investment Surveyor, Bromford Housing Association

The Church Lane Bungalows project stands as a benchmark for what successful, PAS 2035-compliant retrofit can achieve – technically, environmentally, and socially. By combining expert collaboration, robust EWI solutions, and a commitment to resident wellbeing, this project not only delivered measurable improvements in thermal performance and resident satisfaction, but also exemplified how sustainable retrofit can be achieved without compromising on quality, safety, or community impact