Natural stone has been used in the construction of walls for thousands of years. However, the introduction of new construction methods and cheaper building materials has meant that the use of stone in new buildings has declined significantly. Natural stone was once...
Retrofitting older homes to improve their energy efficiency can reduce carbon emissions and could make a key contribution towards meeting the UK’s 2050 carbon emissions target. BS5250 notes that there are around 7 million existing traditional solid wall buildings in...
In the UK, the Party Wall Act 1996 is a vital piece of legislation that helps manage the relationship between property owners when construction or renovation work affects shared walls, boundaries, or structures. Understanding the Party Wall Act is crucial to ensuring...
Energy-efficient building design starts from the ground up. Properly insulated foundations can prevent a building from losing heat through the ground, which helps to maintain consistent indoor temperatures. This reduces the need for heating and cooling and improves...
Slate roofs have been part of British architecture for centuries. You see slate roofs in all forms from small village cottages to large country estates. In this post we will explore some of the key factors to consider when designing a slate roof. We aim to share...
In this post we will explore thermal bridging, how it impacts buildings and the different types of thermal bridges. We will then look at Psi values and what they are used for. Finally we will share information about our recent work on calculating our own detail...
This blog post follows our earlier post titled Introduction to residential lighting: an architect’s guide. That article is an introduction to the different types of artificial lighting within a domestic setting, types of light fixtures, LEDs, light temperature,...
Both natural and artificial lighting can help to elevate a residential space. Whilst the orientation of a building, size and location of windows controls the natural daylight and quality of a space, artificial light can add warmth on dark days and transform spaces at...
Partial fill cavities are some of the most commonly built in the UK. We have created a set of details to help in detailing this type of insulation. In areas exposed to very severe wind driven rain, partial fill cavities are the more robust solution for both rendered...
Understanding ventilation is crucial when designing a pitched roof. Not only does it ensure the longevity of the roof, but it also prevents a myriad of problems that could arise from trapped moisture, condensation and poor air circulation. Much of the guidance...
The updated Approved Document L: Conservation of fuel and power, Volume 1:Dwellings; 2021 edition incorporating 2023 amendments – for use in England which came into force on 15 June 2023, attempts to integrate u-value requirements for both new dwellings as well as...
Within this post we will look at what areas in the UK are more exposed to wind driven rain and what design features you should look at adopting for masonry walls and level threshold drainage based on each of these locations. Building Regulations Approved Document C,...