A historic building in Cardiff Bay has been given a new lease of life. Willow Property Group has meticulously refurbished St Line House into contemporary apartments. This transformation promises enhanced sustainability and efficiency.
Transformation of St Line House
The five-storey, 10,000 sq ft St Line House has been transformed into 18 modern apartments. This Grade II listed building, located at the historic Mount Stuart Square, maintains its external historical features while significantly upgrading its energy efficiency.
The building’s energy performance has been dramatically improved. By installing air source heat pumps, wall and ceiling insulation, and secondary window glazing, its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating improved from E to B. Such enhancements reflect the growing trend towards sustainable living solutions.
Funding and Support
A £1.4 million funding package from Lloyds Bank’s Clean Growth Finance Initiative (CGFI) facilitated these extensive improvements. This initiative supports sustainable projects, offering discounted lending to businesses committed to green growth.
Gareth Williams from Lloyds Bank expressed pride in supporting Willow Property Group’s sustainability efforts. He stated, ‘Through our clean growth financing, we enable businesses to explore new sustainable opportunities,’ underscoring the bank’s dedication to promoting green initiatives.
Project Details and Future Prospects
Seventeen of the refurbished apartments have been sold to the housing association United Welsh. One remaining unit is being marketed as a ‘commercial unit for contemporary living.’
Mr Pouyan Zolfagharnia, co-founder of Willow Property Group, highlighted the importance of sustainability in modern housing. He noted the rising energy costs have driven homebuyers to seek energy-efficient solutions that cut costs and lower carbon footprints.
He added, ‘The funding has allowed us to inject new life into an iconic site within one of Cardiff’s sought-after districts, contributing to the UK’s supply of sustainable housing.’
Historical Significance
Dating back to 1900, St Line House is a mid-terrace building with considerable historical importance. Preserving its aesthetic appeal while modernising its functionality underscores the balance between heritage and progress.
The building was previously owned by the Welsh Government. Its transformation now serves as a model for blending historical preservation with modern sustainability practices.
Sustainable Development Goals
Willow Property Group’s commitment to sustainability aligns with broader environmental goals. The incorporation of air source heat pumps and enhanced insulation demonstrates this dedication.
Energy-efficient solutions not only reduce operational costs for residents but also contribute to a significant reduction in the building’s overall carbon footprint.
Community Impact
The refurbishment of St Line House has had a positive impact on the local community. It adds to the available housing supply in Cardiff Bay, addressing the increasing demand for modern living spaces.
Additionally, the project supports local jobs and businesses, stimulating economic growth within the area.
The integration of sustainable technologies ensures that the development contributes positively to the environment, benefiting both current and future generations.
Future Developments by Willow Property Group
Willow Property Group continues to expand its portfolio from smaller-scale private properties to larger urban developments. Their focus on sustainability remains central to their business model.
Mr Zolfagharnia stated, ‘Our ongoing projects will continue to reflect our commitment to sustainable, energy-efficient housing.’
The transformation of St Line House exemplifies the successful blending of historical preservation and modern sustainability. Willow Property Group’s efforts, supported by Lloyds Bank, reflect a significant step towards greener, more efficient housing solutions in Cardiff Bay.