What’s in it for you?
The exhibit includes life-size cross-sections representing different types and ages of homes commonly found in the UK, to demonstrate the challenges most likely to be associated with them. You can explore potential solutions best suited for them - with an emphasis on taking a ‘fabric-first’ approach to balance your home’s ecosystem.
The Retrofit Zone helps to demystify a number of key topics, including:
- Insulation & airtightness
- Ventilation & moisture management
- Efficient low-carbon heating & renewable energy
- Low-cost energy savings
- Regulations & planning permission
- Funding & grants
- Low-cost energy savings
- Regulations & planning permission
- Funding & grants
Built with industry leaders
The Retrofit Zone has been created in collaboration with top industry names, including headline sponsors: Cupa Pizarras, Eco Design Consultants, Ecological Building Systems, Norrsken, Northcot Brick, Nu-Heat, PRB Systems Limited, Roseview Windows, as well as the AECB, Centre for Sustainable Energy, The Green Register and many more.
Supported by Wiltshire Council and the Business Fit for Growth programme, the exhibit offers real-world solutions and trusted expertise for anyone planning home improvements. Councillor Helen Belcher OBE was also in attendance at the launch event, speaking about local and national ambitions to improve comfort and affordability of homes, whilst highlighting the key role homes play in achieving national net-zero targets. Sarah Gibson, the centre’s constituency MP and an architect by profession, said at the launch:
“Making our existing homes greener and more energy efficient, is something I am deeply passionate about. If we are serious about reaching net zero, we must help homeowners cut energy use, lower bills, and make homes warmer. It is time the Government backed retrofit properly.
I am honoured to open the new Retrofit Zone at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre. An excellent visitor centre whose focus on sustainable building is second to none, and well worth a visit if you are looking for more energy efficient ways to improve your home”.
“Four in five of the homes we’ll live in by 2050 already exist,” said Harvey Fremlin, Managing Director at the NSBRC. “That means upgrading what we have is essential - but it can be confusing. The Retrofit Zone is designed to make it simple, practical, and inspiring. Homeowners can see what works, talk to experts, and leave feeling confident about taking action.”
We are open six days a week (Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–5:30pm) with free entry & parking! Book your next visit here to see our Retrofit Zone, and the rest of our exhibits.
