Understanding the RIBA Plan of Work 2020: A Simplified Guide
by Sean Hill on Sep 7, 2023
Just like many professionals in the UK, architects value clear guidelines to help them do their job better. The RIBA Plan of Work 2020, from the Royal Institute of British Architects, is an essential guide for the UK building sector. Created in 1963, it has been updated over time, wit …
Which Architect Should I Choose?
by Sean Hill on Sep 3, 2023
Choosing an architect is one of those decisions that people often underestimate until they're in the middle of a project and realise how much it matters. The wrong choice creates friction at every stage. The right one makes a genuinely complex process feel manageable, and sometimes ev …
Navigating Architecture towards Net Zero
by Sean Hill on Aug 31, 2023
At RISE Design Studio, we’ve always championed a sustainable approach, especially in recent years when the climate crisis is more pressing than ever. As someone who’s seen the tide change and observed the inertia in adoption, let me take you through the essence of creating low-energy, …
Redefining Sustainable Architecture: The Pioneering EnerPHit Standard
by Sean Hill on Aug 20, 2023
Given the pressing need for low-energy and low-embodied carbon designs, the industry has seen a growing emphasis on standards like Passivhaus for new builds. But what about the vast number of existing buildings that do not meet these criteria? Enter EnerPHit.
MVHR and Cooling: What the System Can and Can't Do
by Sean Hill on Aug 18, 2023
Every summer, without fail, we get a wave of enquiries asking some version of the same question: can my MVHR system cool the house? It's a reasonable thing to ask, particularly after a hot July. The honest answer is: partly, in the right conditions, but probably not as much as you're …
Housing Retrofit and the Pursuit of Airtightness
by Sean Hill on Aug 14, 2023
Airtightness is one of those topics that sounds technical until you understand what it actually means for the people living in a building. Then it becomes straightforward: an airtight building is comfortable, quiet, cheap to run, and healthy to be in. An airtight building is also cons …
Unravelling the Heat Pump Enigma: Debunking Misconceptions and Illuminating the Facts
by Sean Hill on Aug 8, 2023
As we work alongside the UK’s net-zero carbon mission, one technology has emerged as instrumental – the heat pump. Yet, misconceptions surround it, impeding its adoption. In this guide, we’ll address and debunk 20 prevailing myths.
The Architect’s Guide to Modern Plaster Walls: Uncovering Six Distinct Techniques
by Sean Hill on Aug 3, 2023
Over the years we have grown increasingly attentive to the intricate details of the spaces we live in. Our focus has been on designs that optimise low energy and low embodied carbon. One of the critical facets of this work is the understanding and use of the materials we put into thes …
Shaping Tomorrow’s Buildings: Towards Carbon-Positive Architecture
by Sean Hill on Aug 1, 2023
We have been involved in exploring the new frontiers of low-energy and low-embodied carbon designs for many years. Today, I’m excited to share the crucial role architects, like us, have in fighting the biggest challenge of our age – the climate crisis. Chapter 1: The Imperative of Car …
Considering a Spacious Home Extension? Prior Approval Application for Larger Home Extension
by Sean Hill on Jul 28, 2023
Is it possible to construct an eight-metre-deep extension without the requirement for planning permission? Allow us to elaborate on the possibilities and limitations within the scope of Prior Approval. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share insights and strategies for navigating the …
