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.

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.

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.

Imagine a home that stays warm in winter and cool in summer while reducing your carbon footprint. This is the beauty of the Passivhaus standard. It offers a transformative way to build energy-efficient homes, and homeowners across the UK are embracing this approach. Learning about Passivhaus principles in an era where sustainability matters can help you create a comfortable and eco-friendly home.

However, as with any innovative concept, myths and misconceptions often cloud the actual benefits of Passivhaus. Many misunderstandings persist from the belief that it's a design straitjacket to the notion that it's only meant for new constructions. Moreover, the apprehension surrounding costs and comfort levels can make embracing this standard seem daunting for even the most environmentally-conscious homeowners.

In this article, we will debunk the top five myths surrounding Passivhaus in the UK to reveal the reality of sustainability in modern living. Join us as we unravel the truths and highlight how Passivhaus can enhance your quality of life and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Imagine your home not just as a shelter but as an active player in the battle against climate change. Retrofitting homes to meet Passivhaus standards is not just an environmental statement; it's a solid investment into our planet's future.

And if you own a Victorian terrace or a heritage asset, the practical application of the energy use principles of Passive House can offer design solutions to help you improve the building fabric to reduce your carbon emissions and have a positive impact. 

This article discusses the design approach to creating outstanding designs for a greener tomorrow.

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.

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.

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, the construction industry faces growing pressure to adopt sustainable building practices. This pressure is particularly acute in London, one of the most densely populated cities in the world. With millions of residents and countless businesses occupying its urban landscape, London is a city that demands innovative design solutions to its energy needs. One such solution is Passivhaus construction.

The costs of Passivhaus construction are perceptively higher than your typical home constructed according to the current building regulations due to the rigorous standards required for energy efficiency, insulation, and air quality. However, investing in Passivhaus construction is not just about reducing environmental impact; it's increasingly becoming a smart financial strategy.

In this article, we explore the factors that influence the costs associated with Passivhaus construction and retrofitting within the unique context of London.

Are you dreaming of a sustainable home transformation but feeling uncertain about the timeline? You’re not alone! Many homeowners in London grapple with the nagging question of how long these significant projects will actually take.

With London’s unique architectural landscape and diverse range of properties, any significant residential project can involve a complex process and unexpected delays. Managing your expectations on renovation timelines is crucial to avoid unnecessary stress and frustration.

Understanding the factors that influence the duration of your home project—from the design process and planning approvals to construction and finishing touches—can empower you to make informed decisions. Each project is unique, and timelines can vary significantly based on various elements such as property type, scope of work, and even local council regulations. If you're considering enhancing your home, it's essential to know what to anticipate. In this article, we'll discuss the key elements determining how long your home alteration or extension might take in London and share some tips to help you confidently navigate your renovation journey.

Are you searching for a way to reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying comfortable indoor living? What if you could achieve both goals through a single architectural design?

As climate change becomes an increasingly pressing concern, the quest for sustainable building practices is more vital than ever. Enter Passivhaus, a revolutionary approach to architecture that emphasizes energy efficiency without sacrificing comfort or aesthetic appeal. This design philosophy has been gaining momentum across the globe, transforming homes and commercial spaces into exemplars of sustainable architecture.

Join us as we explore the myriad benefits of Passivhaus and discover why making the switch could be one of the best decisions you ever make for your home and our planet.

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.

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.

Have you ever walked into a home and felt instantly comfortable, no matter the season outside? What if you could create that same inviting atmosphere in your own energy-efficient home? The key lies in understanding thermal comfort, which is not just a luxury—it's the cornerstone of sustainable living.

As energy costs continue to rise while we distance ourselves for our sustainability targets, the importance of designing energy-efficient homes has never been clearer. It’s a journey that blends innovative approaches, sustainability, and personal aesthetics. Yet, with so many choices and variables to consider, the path to achieving a thermally efficient home can be daunting. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by technical jargon and design options.

Designing your dream home should start with a vision of not only what you want to achieve but also what benefits you hope to gain—thermal comfort being at the forefront. In this article, I will outline key considerations for crafting a home that balances energy efficiency with personal comfort. From insulation techniques to window placements, your choices can transform your living space into a model of sustainability. Let’s explore how you can turn your aspirations into reality while contributing positively to the planet.

The subject of indoor air quality is about more than just stuffy air; it is about air pollution inside your home.

Indoor air quality is a hidden concern that affects our health, comfort, and overall well-being. With modern homes becoming tighter and more energy-efficient, the very things that keep our homes cozy could also be trapping pollutants inside. From dust and pet dander to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from furniture and cleaning products, the sources of indoor air pollution are plentiful and often unnoticed.

Improving your indoor air quality isn’t just a noble endeavour; it's essential for creating a healthy environment for you and your loved ones. Understanding the key aspects contributing to poor air quality is the first step, and implementing effective strategies can transform your living space into a sanctuary of freshness. In this article, we'll explore the key factors affecting indoor air quality and unveil the best design solutions that will help you breathe easier in your own home.

In my last article, I discussed the relationship between the Passive House standard and the making of a healthy home. I spoke about how the Passive House standard, which can be considered a measure of peak fitness, can serve as a strong foundation for your healthy home, a home that will also embrace more holistic issues.

When we tell people that we make healthy homes, they often look confused. And that is fair given the unhealthy state of the UK building stock which is the oldest and poorest performing in Europe. As architects, we have met successful people, middle to upper-class families, whose homes were so rotten they found slugs in their shower and insects in the children's cereal. If these experiments in indoor biodiversity were the spark for their refurbishment project, you don’t need statistics to say that we are accustomed to a low standard for our homes.