Westward Housing

Upgrading social housing with Marley roofing and in-roof PV

Westward Housing and Marley have worked together for several years across multiple refurbishment programmes. The Holsworthy scheme marked the first time the two worked together on a project funded by the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF).

The decision to specify Marley SolarTile® was driven by both practical and aesthetic considerations. As an in-roof PV system, Marley SolarTile® offered a more integrated and future-proof solution than an on-roof alternative.

“The Marley SolarTile® sits flush with the roof, so it’s more visually appealing and residents really like how they look,” Jamey says. “But the biggest benefit is the reduction in electricity bills.”

Structural roof repairs were performed where required, and the roof coverings were replaced. Ludlow Major and Modern tiles were selected to ensure the properties maintained the same aesthetic as the existing homes and blended into the existing rural character of Holsworthy seamlessly.

“Adding PV is already a visual change, ” Jamey explains. “So choosing a tile that closely matched what was already there was important. We didn’t want to dramatically alter how the area looked, and Marley’s tiles allowed us to achieve that balance.”

Upgrading the roofs at the same time as installing solar PV also delivered logistical and cost efficiencies. “We try to maximise the value of scaffolding,” says Jamey. “Doing the roofing and solar work together reduces disruption for residents and avoids having to put scaffolding up three or four times over the next five to ten years.”

Roof tile and solar PV support from Marley

The refurbishment was funded through SHDF Wave 2.1, which requires robust specification, compliance and documentation.

Marley supported the project throughout, providing pre-specification guidance, NBS documentation and technical input to support funding requirements. “Marley was involved from the early stages,” says Jamey. “They helped with specification, worked with our contractor and supplier and provided logistical support to make sure materials were available at the right time and in the right place.”

For contractor Sureserve, this was their first experience installing Marley’s in-roof solar PV system. Marley provided on-site and remote support as needed, ensuring installation quality and giving the contractor confidence to use the system on future projects. “There was a learning curve, and Marley was very much involved with that,” Jamey notes. “They supported the contractor through installation and sign-off so warranties and guarantees could be assured.”

Lewis Hammett, area specification manager at Marley, comments: “This project demonstrates the value of integrating roofing and solar at the specification stage. Marley SolarTile® allows housing providers to achieve significant EPC uplift while delivering a high-quality, visually integrated roof system. And we are committed to providing ongoing support throughout.”

Managing roofing retrofits in occupied homes

All homes remained occupied during the works, so careful planning and resident engagement were critical. “Designing and delivering retrofit projects in occupied homes is always challenging,” says Jamey. “We had to schedule the work around people’s lives and communicate clearly at every stage.”

The Westward team worked closely with residents to understand their needs and explain how the works would be carried out. “We were changing almost everything in their homes – walls, roofs, insulation and in some cases heating systems. Sitting down with residents and listening was key to making the project workable and liveable.”

Exceeding efficiency expectations

Phase 2 of the Holsworthy decarbonisation project was completed in early 2025 and exceeded regulatory requirements and initial performance targets. “We had aimed to uplift the homes to EPC ratings of C, but many of them are now rated at A or B, which was a fantastic outcome,” Jamey says.

Residents are also delighted with the results, reporting that their homes are warmer, quieter and no longer draughty. They have also noticed significant reductions in their monthly energy bills.

The aesthetic upgrade has also been welcomed. One resident told contractor Sureserve: “The houses look ten times better than they did originally. We feel proud of where we live.”

Future roof refurbishments with Marley

Jamey says that he and his team are very happy with Marley’s roof tiles, the Marley SolarTile® and the support they received throughout the project.

The success of the Holsworthy project has also influenced how Westward approaches future retrofit and decarbonisation schemes. “Using Marley SolarTile® has changed how we think about retrofit,” Jamey explains. “Now, whenever we assess a property for PV, we assess the roof at the same time. If the roof needs replacing, we’ll use in-roof solar rather than on-roof systems.”

As Westward moves into the next phase of SHDF-funded works, covering a further 96 homes, Marley products will continue to form part of the specification. “Marley is very much part of our delivery model now,” says Jamey. “The quality of the products, the technical support and the attention to detail put them ahead of other options for us.”

Re-roofing as part of a decarbonisation project

Marley roof tiles and SolarTile® play a critical role in supporting energy-efficiency retrofit projects, helping housing providers achieve long-term energy performance, EPC compliance and resident well-being.

To find out how Marley can support your next decarbonisation or retrofit project, download technical documentation or access NBS specifications on our website. You can also get in touch to speak to Marley’s technical and specification team.