Aesthetic appealing wall insulation: A novel approach for uptake of solid wall insulation in the UK

Abstract

Solid wall dwellings in the UK are in urgent need for energy retrofit to support achieving the UK net-zero strategies in the building sector and reduce fuel poverty. Several barriers are a cause of uncertainty for householders about Solid Wall 1nsulation (SWI) and slow down the progress. This paper aims to examine people's perceptions of possible inclusion of aesthetics elements in Internal Wall Insulation (IWI), providing a suitable solution to promote wall insulation intake and attractiveness. To achieve this aim, first, the current literature is critically reviewed and analysed to highlight the gap between energy studies and design/aesthetic features of SWI retrofit. Then, an online survey is conducted, and the collected data are analysed. The results show that the aesthetic factor is very important for participants with more than 90% agreement. This level of agreement is as high as other well-known critical factors in renovation such as cost and energy saving. Also, aesthetic integration in IWI can surpasses negative concerns such as the retrofit cost or losing internal space. Furthermore, over 2/3rd of participants are in agreement with a suggested business model for delivering both aesthetic and energy improvement in combined retrofit plans by established approved organizations. It is concluded that aesthetic inclusion is the priority and an encouraging factor in the internal renovation to reduce the barriers and increase success. Finally, the findings from this research pointed to how the retrofit industry, policymakers, and designers should evolve to achieve the benefits of aesthetics in SWI.