A 45-year-old RAF barrack block in Cornwall is getting a high-tech, energy-saving makeover.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and VIVO Defence Services have launched a pilot project at RAF St Mawgan to test whether retrofitting older buildings with carbon-reducing technology can meet the UK’s net zero targets—without the hefty price tag of new construction.
Baker Block, a two-storey Single Living Accommodation (SLA) building, will undergo a major transformation.
The upgrade includes external insulation cladding, triple-glazed windows, a new roof and an air-source heat pump system. Smart meters will allow real-time energy control, automatically adjusting heating and lighting based on occupancy.
Once complete, the block will house 26 single-use rooms with en-suites, plus enhanced kitchen and welfare spaces.
Gary Hawkey, Project Lead for DIO Regional Delivery South West, said: “We’re really pleased to be working on this project, which will both improve conditions for the service personnel living in the accommodation and improve energy efficiency. Retrofitting is a fantastic option as it can reduce the length of the project and the amount of disruption on site.”
The refurbishment aligns with new Building Performance Standards (BPS), which require an energy use intensity (EUI) of no more than 35 kWh/m²—down from the previous 150 kWh/m² target.
The Baker Block retrofit is expected to hit 33.2 kWh/m², proving that upgrades can deliver results.
If successful, the project could become a blueprint for modernising MOD buildings across the UK.
With completion set for next year, this initiative marks a major step toward sustainable, cost-effective military housing.
