Rectory

The Brief

The Rectory project has been an exciting & challenging endeavour for Benjamin Henry Ltd, where we’ve completely reconfigured & renovated a large Victorian property to help meet the EnerPHit (Passivhaus retrofit) standard. This project highlights our strong commitment to sustainability, a value we’re passionate about. With Ben becoming Passivhaus certified, we’ve been focused on creating energy-efficient solutions that strike the right balance between environmental & economic benefits. EnerPHit is designed specifically for older buildings, focusing on key upgrades like improved insulation & airtightness to enhance thermal comfort & maintain consistent indoor temperatures — all while preserving the unique character of historic properties.

The Build

Transforming The Rectory was a highly complex renovation that required the property to be stripped back before being carefully rebuilt to meet the demanding EnerPHit (Passivhaus retrofit) standard. Throughout the project, traditional construction techniques were combined with modern building science to dramatically improve the home's thermal performance whilst preserving its original Victorian character. Extensive structural alterations, meticulous insulation detailing, airtightness measures & high-performance glazing were all carefully integrated, with every stage requiring close coordination between our skilled trades & specialist consultants. The result was a technically demanding build that balanced heritage conservation with exceptional energy efficiency.

The Finished Home

The completed Rectory is a beautiful example of how period architecture can be sensitively transformed to meet modern living standards without compromising its heritage. Behind its restored Victorian character lies a highly energy-efficient home, carefully upgraded to the EnerPHit standard through exceptional levels of insulation, airtightness & Passivhaus-certified triple glazing. Original features have been meticulously preserved & replicated where necessary, while thoughtfully reconfigured living spaces provide a bright, open & practical family home. The result is a property that seamlessly combines timeless craftsmanship with cutting-edge building performance, creating a home that is as comfortable & sustainable as it is beautiful.