Journal: Ideas & Insights for Sustainable Homes and Retrofits

Our Journal shares expert guidance, creative inspiration, and practical advice from eco-friendly, sustainable architects in London. Whether you’re planning a low-energy extension, a sensitive retrofit of a period property, or a future-ready new build, you’ll find insights here on Passivhaus principles, natural materials, and planning advice to help you create a brighter, warmer, healthier home that works beautifully today and tomorrow.

Internal vs External Wall Insulation for London Period Homes

If you are unsure whether internal or external wall insulation is right for your Victorian or Edwardian home, this guide will help you understand the benefits, challenges and planning considerations of each approach. You will find clear explanations written for London homeowners, with a focus on comfort, moisture safety and long-term performance.

Read More
Retrofit & Sustainability, Period Homes Greg Mathers Retrofit & Sustainability, Period Homes Greg Mathers

Avoiding Damp and Mould in London Retrofits: A Homeowner Guide

Damp and mould often appear slowly in London period homes. Corners cool down, condensation gathers and a faint musty smell begins to show. This guide explains how insulation, ventilation and breathable materials work together to keep moisture moving in the right direction. A simple path to a home that feels brighter, warmer and easier to live in.

Read More

Insulating a Victorian terrace in London: a practical guide

A Victorian terrace can be a wonderful home, but many lose heat quickly and suffer from cold rooms, condensation and rising energy costs. This practical guide explains how to insulate a Victorian terrace in London in a way that protects the original brick, manages moisture and creates a warmer, healthier home. You will learn where heat is lost, which materials work best and how to plan the upgrades in a sensible order.

Read More

Insulation Scandal? Why Good Design and Oversight Matter More Than Ever in Retrofit

A government-backed insulation scheme meant to cut bills and carbon has left thousands of homes colder, damper, and in some cases uninhabitable. At the heart of the scandal is not insulation itself, but poor design, bad workmanship, and missing oversight. This blog explores why breathable materials, moisture-aware detailing and proper ventilation matter — and what homeowners can do to avoid the same mistakes.

Read More
Retrofit & Sustainability Greg Mathers Retrofit & Sustainability Greg Mathers

Why Victorian Houses Overheat in Summer — and How Retrofit Design Prevents It

Victorian houses are beautiful, but they were not built for today’s hotter UK summers. Their solid walls and historic features often trap heat, making them uncomfortable during heatwaves. Retrofitting with modern insulation, ventilation, and sustainable cooling systems allows homeowners to stay comfortable while preserving their heritage and reducing energy use.

Read More
Retrofit & Sustainability Greg Mathers Retrofit & Sustainability Greg Mathers

What Is Retrofit? A Homeowner’s Guide to Improving Energy Performance

Have you ever wondered how you can enhance your home's energy efficiency without starting from scratch? What if there was a way to improve your living space while making it more sustainable?

Retrofitting is one of the smartest ways to improve the comfort, energy efficiency, and resilience of your home. In this guide, we explain what retrofit means, why it’s essential for the UK’s net-zero goals, and how sustainable architects can help you achieve a practical, future-proof upgrade — whether as part of an extension, a loft conversion, or a whole-house renovation.

Read More
Retrofit & Sustainability Greg Mathers Retrofit & Sustainability Greg Mathers

Transforming Your London Victorian Home: Sustainable Insulation Solutions and Eco-Friendly Upgrades for Victorian Homes

Imagine stepping into your Victorian home, where the period charm meets the demand for modern energy efficiency. As homeowners seek to preserve their beloved period properties, sustainable renovations have become vital to maintaining character and comfort.

The unique architecture of Victorian homes presents both opportunities and challenges when upgrading insulation and eco-friendly features. Understanding how to navigate energy assessments, planning permissions, and appropriate materials is essential for a successful transformation.

This article delves into practical solutions for enhancing your Victorian home, from insulation techniques to innovative heating options, while ensuring that the distinctive features remain intact. Join us as we explore sustainable upgrades that protect the environment and breathe new life into these historic properties.

Read More
Retrofit & Sustainability Greg Mathers Retrofit & Sustainability Greg Mathers

Natural Materials for Sustainable London Homes: An Architect's Guide for Homeowners

In this guide, we will explore the various natural materials that can be used to create sustainable homes in London. From external insulation products to healthier surface finishes indoors, these sustainable materials add a unique and natural aesthetic to any home.

Natural materials foster an approach to sustainability that can reduce your carbon emissions while improving both thermal comfort and acoustic comfort. Learn how incorporating natural building materials can help homeowners make their urban homes more eco-friendly and sustainable.

Read More
Retrofit & Sustainability Greg Mathers Retrofit & Sustainability Greg Mathers

Designing Your London Home for an Air Source Heat Pump: A Whole-House Retrofit Guide

If you plan to install an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) in London, it is important to understand the process and considerations involved. ASHPs are a sustainable alternative to traditional heating systems helping to reduce your carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency, which is only multiplied when combined with solar panels and improved levels of insulation.

In this guide, we discuss the benefits and challenges of installing ASHP to make your London home sustainable and eco-friendly.

Read More
Retrofit & Sustainability Greg Mathers Retrofit & Sustainability Greg Mathers

How To Insulate A Period London Home

Insulating your home has many benefits, not just for the environment but also for your wallet. Achieving appropriate levels of insulation with the right materials not only helps lower greenhouse gas emissions but also minimises heat loss and reduces overall energy consumption.

Insulating your home is a win-win situation for all. 

In this article, we will delve deep and discuss the importance of a holistic approach and best sustainable practices for both internal and external insulation.

Read More
Retrofit & Sustainability, Design & Interiors Daniela Ciarcelluti Retrofit & Sustainability, Design & Interiors Daniela Ciarcelluti

The Case For Daylight

Have you ever wondered how natural light can transform a space, bringing warmth and vitality into your home? Conversely, have you thought about the potential challenges it can create? Striking the right balance between embracing daylight and managing its drawbacks is essential in residential design.

Daylight has advantages and disadvantages. An outstanding design should consider both.

This article outlines the aspects to consider, giving tips and creative design solutions for drawing daylight in to your new or refurbished home.

Read More