Heritage Sensitive Retrofit at Netherfield Estate

Dales are proud to contribute to the ongoing transformative retrofit of the Netherfield Estate in Milton Keynes. The £12m project, funded through SHDF Wave 1, is an ambitious initiative to decarbonise 302 council-owned homes, while respecting the estate’s architectural heritage.

With Phase 1 already successfully delivered and the project now entering its final stages, the retrofit is scheduled for completion later this year.

Dales are supplying our Aluminium Fascia Soffit, Gutter, and Rainwater Pipe for the Netherfield Estate Retrofit. Photos supplied by ECD Architects. 

Why Aluminium?

Aluminium was chosen for the Netherfield Estate retrofit due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and lightweight properties, making it easy to handle during installation while offering long-term reliability. Its high strength-to-weight ratio makes it particularly suitable for architectural use, and its low-maintenance nature helps reduce long-term upkeep costs for residents.

Importantly, aluminium also aligns with the project’s sustainability goals. As a highly recyclable material, it supports a circular economy by enabling continuous reuse without compromising quality. As a founding member of the CAB Closed Loop Recycling Scheme, Dales are committed to the maximising material efficiency and ensuring environmental responsibility. This ethos is reflected in the products supplied, including rainwater pipes made from 78% recycled content which are fully recyclable at end of life.

Project Goals & Heritage: 

Built in the 1970s, Netherfield Estate faced multiple challenges, including poor insulation, dampness, mould, and overheating during summer months. The retrofit tackles these issues while simultaneously reducing the estate’s carbon footprint, ensuring residents benefit from healthier, more energy-efficient homes.

Originally conceptualised by ‘The Grunt Group’ of architects under the Milton Keynes Development Corporation, The Netherfield Estate is steeped in history. Recognised as a non-designated heritage asset, the estate demanded sensitive solutions to improve energy efficiency while retaining its distinct style. Our products and their colour palette were designed and carefully matched to respect the original design vision, ensuring modernisation blends with the estate’s architectural legacy.

Impact so far:

Energy modelling by ECD Architects guided targeted upgrades, including high-performance windows, external insulation, and warm roofs. Tenants already benefiting from these improvements report feeling warmer, using less heating, and spending less than half on fuel bills compared to pre-retrofit conditions.

As well as receiving positive feedback from tenants, the project was shortlisted for the ‘Unlock Net Zero Live Awards 2023’ in the Collaboration of the year category. Additionally, the project made it to the finals of both the ‘Constructing Excellence Awards 2024’ in the ‘regeneration & retrofit’ category and the ‘Unlock Net Zero Live Awards 2024’ in the ‘green homes upgrade of the Year’ category.

The importance of retrofit projects:

As the UK government continues to push toward its 2030 target of a 68% reduction in carbon emissions, the retrofit of existing buildings plays a critical role. Projects like Netherfield Estate set a powerful example of how ambitious energy targets can be achieved.