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.
The Power of Passivhaus Retrofitting
Passivhaus retrofit works best when it is treated as an intelligence layer. It helps test decisions early, avoid costly mistakes, and support better extensions and interiors, rather than competing with them.
Natural Materials for Retrofitting London Period Homes
Most homes don’t feel quite right. Often, the problem is not just insulation, but the materials themselves. This guide explains how natural materials help London period homes stay dry, comfortable, and balanced.
Do I Need an Architect During Construction?
Do you need an architect during construction, or can a builder manage alone? This article explains what architect contract administration involves, how budgets and quality are protected on site, and what responsibility transfers to you if professional oversight is removed.
How to Choose an Architect in London: 50 Essential Interview Questions
Choosing the right architect shapes the success of your renovation. This guide sets out 50 essential interview questions to help London homeowners assess experience, cost control, planning strategy and technical depth with confidence.
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.
How Long Does a Home Renovation Take?
How long does a home renovation take? This guide explains realistic timelines for London extensions, whole-house renovations and performance-led retrofits, from first appointment to completion.
The Benefits of Passivhaus: What It Actually Feels Like to Live in One
What does a Passivhaus home actually feel like to live in? From consistent warmth to fresh air and quieter spaces, this guide explains the real benefits in everyday terms.
How To Use Artificial Light In Your Home
Artificial light is not just about visibility. It shapes how your home feels in the evening and at night. This guide explains how to design lighting as part of a considered, whole-house approach, particularly in period homes.
How To Insulate A Period London Home
Insulating a period London home is not just about adding insulation. It requires understanding how heat, moisture and ventilation interact. This guide explains how to approach insulation properly, avoid common mistakes, and plan upgrades as part of a whole-house retrofit.
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.
Do You Need MVHR in Your London Home?
MVHR can improve comfort, air quality and energy performance. But it is not right for every home. Here is how to decide if it makes sense for your renovation.