Every building is a story in the making - a reflection of intent, values, and the world we wish to shape. At RISE Design Studio, we see each project as an opportunity to push boundaries, crafting spaces that are not only beautiful but purposeful. And a key part of that purpose is sustainability.
When designing from the ground up, the choices you make early on define not just how a building looks, but how it breathes, performs, and lasts. Regulations set the baseline, but should we only aim for the minimum? Or should we create buildings that demand less from the planet, offer more to those who live in them, and redefine how architecture contributes to a better future?
Let’s explore the options - stripping back the jargon, cutting through the noise, and getting to the heart of what truly matters.
A contemporary low-energy home designed with sustainability at its core - clean lines, natural materials, and expansive glazing connect the indoors with the surrounding landscape.
The UK Building Regulations (Part L) dictate the lowest acceptable standards for energy efficiency in new construction. They ensure buildings aren’t catastrophically inefficient, but let’s be clear - these are the basics, not the benchmark for innovation. Meeting regulations is non-negotiable, but exceeding them is where architecture begins to make an impact.
The reality? A building that just ‘complies’ won’t be resilient to future climate demands, nor will it provide the comfort, efficiency, and longevity that forward-thinking design can offer. The question is: how far are you willing to go?
If there’s one standard that has truly transformed the way we think about sustainable architecture, it’s Passivhaus. Originating in Germany, this methodology isn’t about ticking boxes - it’s about ensuring that what is designed on paper performs exactly as expected in reality.
A Passivhaus-certified building is radically low-energy, requiring minimal heating and cooling. It prioritises airtightness, insulation, high-performance windows, and intelligent ventilation systems that recover heat while maintaining fresh air flow. It’s not about expensive bolt-on technologies - it’s about perfecting the fundamentals. And when done right, it creates spaces that feel consistently comfortable, cost less to run, and stand the test of time.
But here’s the catch: certification is rigorous. And while we embrace the principles of Passivhaus in our work, we recognise that not every project fits neatly into a certification framework. This is where EnerPHit, a slightly more flexible Passivhaus standard for retrofits, or PHI Low Energy Building, which accommodates certain constraints, come into play.
The takeaway? Passivhaus is less about a badge and more about a mindset - one that should guide every decision in the design process.
While we believe in the strength of the Passivhaus approach, there are other frameworks that can align with different priorities:
Each of these frameworks has value, and their suitability depends on project goals, constraints, and long-term vision.
At RISE Design Studio, we don’t believe in sustainability for sustainability’s sake. We believe in design that works, lasts, and improves lives. The best buildings are those that tread lightly on the planet while offering an unparalleled level of comfort, beauty, and functionality.
For most of our projects, we integrate Passivhaus principles without necessarily pursuing certification. Why? Because while the methodology is powerful, the rigidity of certification doesn’t always align with real-world constraints - site limitations, planning restrictions, or budgetary considerations. Our priority is always to push beyond the minimum, ensuring that every building we design is more efficient, comfortable, and resilient than regulations require.
In the end, the best standard is the one that makes sense for your project—balancing ambition with practicality, and vision with execution.
Choosing the right standard is about more than compliance - it’s about creating buildings that stand up to the future, not just to regulations. Whether it’s a new build striving for Passivhaus performance or a retrofit embracing EnerPHit principles, the goal remains the same: to craft spaces that inspire, endure, and respect the world they inhabit.
If you’re considering a project that goes beyond the ordinary, we’d love to explore how we can bring your vision to life - with sustainability not as an afterthought, but as the foundation.
Let’s build something that matters.
If you would like to talk through your project with the team, please do get in touch at architects@risedesignstudio.co.uk or give us a call on 020 3947 5886
RISE Design Studio Architects company reg no: 08129708 VAT no: GB158316403 © RISE Design Studio. Trading since 2011.