MVHR Heat Recovery Ventilation: What is it and how does it work?
by Sean Hill on Jun 9, 2023
As an architect with two decades of experience, I have witnessed the evolution of sustainable design principles and their integration into contemporary architecture. In recent years, the focus has shifted towards low energy consumption and low embodied carbon designs. One crucial elem …
Do I Need an Architect for an Extension?
by Sean Hill on Jun 8, 2023
It's one of the most common questions we get asked, usually by people who are already fairly sure they want an extension but aren't certain whether an architect is the right way to get there. The honest answer is: it depends on what you're trying to achieve. Here's a clear-eyed look a …
What is EnerPHit? Is it right for my home retrofit project?
by Sean Hill on Jun 2, 2023
As energy efficiency becomes an increasingly important factor in home renovations, many homeowners are looking for ways to improve the performance of their existing properties. This is where EnerPHit, the gold standard for retrofitting, comes into play. Designed by the Passivhaus Inst …
Exploring Structural Insulated Panels: Are SIPs Right for Your Self-build project?
by Sean Hill on May 30, 2023
In the world of modern construction methods, structural insulated panels (SIPs) have emerged as a groundbreaking solution that offers numerous advantages over traditional build methods. With their ability to accelerate the construction process, achieve exceptional airtightness, and re …
A Comprehensive Guide to Party Wall Agreements
by Sean Hill on May 27, 2023
After twenty years of designing homes that don’t just stand, but breathe - spaces that work with energy, not against it - I’ve come to realise that a project’s success isn’t just about aesthetics or sustainability. It’s also about the fine print, the behind-the-scenes details that onl …
Brent Design Awards 2023 Winners
by Sean Hill on May 24, 2023
We’re absolutely delighted that the Lexi Cinema extension and refurbishment has received two awards, the People’s Choice as well as the Heritage & Culture, at the first Brent Design Awards last Thursday.
The Lexi Cinema & Hub wins 2 Brent Design Awards 2023
by Sean Hill on May 23, 2023
Brent Design Awards
The Triumph of Barefoot Social Architecture: A Tribute to Yasmeen Lari, Royal Gold Medal 2023 Laureate
by Sean Hill on May 22, 2023
As an architect with two decades of commitment to the principles of low-energy and low-embodied carbon designs, I have come to appreciate the potency of architecture as an instrument of transformation. Today, I invite you on an engaging journey as we uncover the remarkable achievement …
The RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How We're Responding
by Sean Hill on May 19, 2023
I've been involved in sustainable design for most of my career, and one of the questions I get asked most often is: what does it actually mean for a practice to be committed to sustainability? Anyone can say the words. The RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge is one of the more useful framewor …
Decoding the Maze of Pre-Application Advice
by Sean Hill on May 19, 2023
An inherent part of our journey with every project is the necessary rite of passage that is the planning permission process. Seen by many as a labyrinthine process, we are often asked about the concept of pre-application advice – an often overlooked, yet sometimes crucial element of t …
