Archetypes Library & Best Practice Guide.

Archetyping is a well-used and powerful tool to understand, profile or segment a building stock, to enable retrofit project planning and engagement. With numerous characteristics that can define archetypes, there are potentially hundreds of archetypes across the UK, depending on the use-case and target audience. 

These resources serve two main purposes: 

It provides the wider sector with access to existing archetype guidance created by designers, local authorities, and property owners. 

It assists those identifying archetypes and designing retrofit interventions based on archetypes to achieve high-quality results tailored to their specific use case. 

The Archetypes Library and Best Practice Guide was developed by: Working Group 1 Co-Chairs Dr Ahsan Khan and Lizzy Westmacott, Working Group 1 participants, London Councils and participants of the London Councils workshops on archetyping to enable retrofit at scale, and is supported by Westminster City Council. 

Archetypes Library & Best Practice Methodology 

The NRH Archetypes Library stores publicly available archetype documents in one place, via a filterable, searchable interface. This is a live library, that will grow over time. Explore the library below: 

The Best Practice Methodology provides guidance for Retrofit designers looking to produce archetype retrofit guidance for buildings under consideration, and building owners or others looking to procure the identification of archetypes and associated retrofit guidance. 

This document allows users to identify and create guidance for retrofit archetypes, using a risk managed, holistic approach, designed to protect building users. We hope that by releasing this Best Practice Methodology, we can initiate the creation of more, and better guidance and engagement tools, by the industry. 

Download the Best Practice Methodology below: 

Retrofit Pattern Book 

New guidance released on retrofitting the flat-fronted Victorian terraced archetype, with practical tips and resources for homeowners on how to improve energy efficiency. 

The document is a practical guide designed to support homeowners in making informed decisions to enhance the energy efficiency of their homes. Focusing on the flat-fronted Victorian terraced house, this guide makes an insightful new addition to the National retrofit Hub’s growing archetypes library. The document offers essential information on energy use, best practices for improving efficiency, and strategies to ensure upgrades are effective and avoid unintended consequences. 

This guide illustrates key approaches to upgrading home features and reducing carbon emissions. While created primarily for homeowners, it’s also a valuable resource for landlords and construction professionals working on retrofit projects. Developed by 5th Studio, with expert insights from JG Consulting on domestic energy use, and peer review provided by Etude. The Flat-fronted Victorian Terraced House guide also highlights resources available to help finance home improvements, making energy-efficient homes achievable for more people. 

You should carefully assess what retrofitting options may be available or suitable for you and your home and should seek independent advice before commencing works.

Archetypes Webinar 

This webinar offers an in-depth exploration of the NRH’s Archetypes Best Practice Guide. 

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. 

Learn how to identify the right characteristics to use for archetyping, based on your specific requirements, and find out what information you should include in archetype guides, to develop a risk-managed, holistic approach that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of building occupants, ensuring retrofit interventions are both effective and sustainable. 

Link to webinar: https://youtu.be/2ljwv7Jdk1M  

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