National Retrofit Hub launches archetypes best practice guide and library

The National Retrofit Hub (NRH) has launched the Archetypes Best Practice Guide and the NRH Archetypes Library, to help designers, local authorities, property owners, and the wider sector more easily identify and apply archetype-based retrofit solutions.

These resources will support the use of building archetypes – grouping buildings with shared characteristics – in retrofitting projects across the UK. 

Archetyping is a well-established and powerful tool that helps in understanding, profiling, and segmenting building stocks. With numerous characteristics that can define archetypes, there are potentially hundreds of variations across the UK, each suitable for different use cases and audiences.

The NRH Archetypes Library is a centralised, filterable, and searchable repository that gathers and presents a wealth of archetype documents. This resource is useful for retrofit designers, RMI builders, and installers looking for regional archetype guidance to engage clients and develop tailored solutions. By submitting their work to the library, authors can contribute to the growing body of knowledge and best practices available to the sector.

The Best Practice Methodology Guide is designed to help retrofit designers and building owners develop archetype-specific retrofit strategies. It promotes a risk-managed, holistic approach that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of building occupants, ensuring retrofit interventions are both effective and sustainable.

Rachael Owens, NRH Co-Director said:

The launch of these resources is another step in supporting the retrofit sector’s ability to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions across a diverse range of building types. By providing easy access to existing knowledge and a clear methodology for creating new guidance, we hope to empower the industry to take effective, coordinated action to scale up retrofitting efforts.

A webinar, entitled ‘Architypes Best Practice Guide’ is being held on Wednesday 13 November at 13:00. To register for this free to attend webinar, please click here.

For more information and to access the resources, click here.