Walk & Talk: EPC and Retrofitting, Wemyss and March Estate

Wemyss and March Estate extends to around 45,000 acres, with land holdings in East Lothian, Peeblesshire, Selkirkshire and Gloucestershire. The estate is a multi-disciplined rural business, with 165 staff and with interests in farming and farming research, forestry, residential and commercial properties, renewables, development and tourism. The Estate currently has a portfolio of around 350 residential properties, mostly let on a long-term basis. The estate is particularly focused on energy performance within its housing stock, and this raises significant challenges in terms of meeting EPC rating requirements. 

The event will look at the properties of Harestanes, which were built in a piece meal fashion over many years and completed around 1940. Initially starting life in the late 1800’s as a small beach house for the Wemyss family and grown with numerous extensions over the years since.

The condition of the houses was very poor and many of the past extensions of questionable standard. Neither house was capable of being let in their current condition. The Estate looked seriously at demolishing and rebuilding from scratch, but ultimately due to cost and sentimental reasons took the decision to refurbish.

The event will look at the extensive refurbishment of the properties, whilst reaching the optimum EPC rating.

This event is free of charge to SLE Members, but booking is essential through the SLE website.

Agenda:

The event will look at the retrofitting of two old properties (Harestanes North and South). The two buildings are halfway through their completion with lots to see.

The visit will look at:

• Overview of Wemyss and March Estate
• Profile of their housing portfolio
• Housing operating philosophy – what are the Estate is trying to achieve
• Prioritisation of their investment of their housing stock
• Case study of Harestanes - the decision-making process for the two buildings

In summary, the refurbishment contract allows for the following works:

• Delmolition of sunrooms and external staircase.
• Structural repairs to external walls which included replacing precast lintels on all windows and doors – the reinforcing rods having rusted to laminate and expand concrete.
• Underpinning and structural ties to front elevation of South house.
• Re roofing throughout.
• Remodelling the interiors to form internal stair, open plan kitchen / dining areas and allow for ensuite bathroom facilities.
• A number of new window openings and form new dormer to North facing roof of south house, giving views over the beach.
• High spec double glazing throughout.
• Rewired and replumbed throughout.
• Kitchen and bathroom fittings as required.
• Internally insulation has been installed in attics, walls and under floors were possible, with particular emphasis on drought proofing.
• Heating is provide by 2 air source heat pumps ( rated at 12kW ) coupled with retro fitted underfloor heating ( wet system) and large capacity surface mounted radiators.
• Each house has 2.52 kWp of solar panels fitted with direct links to water heater.

The event will also cover the costs involved in the refurbishment and discuss the initial EPC assessment that has been carried out. The North house has been rated at Band A and the South house at band B.

Location: Green Craig, Aberlady, Longniddry EH32 0PR

Booking information: Booking is essential. To secure your place please book online today.