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Blog / Sustainable Design

Beyond the Bin: What Architecture Can Learn from Silo

Douglas McMaster of Silo, Max McDonagh of AKT II, and Sean Ronnie Hill and Imran Jahn of RISE Design Studio standing together at Solus Tiles, discussing zero-waste design and sustainable architecture.

We went to an event last night at Solus Tiles. A gathering of architects, designers, engineers, and thinkers. People who make things. People who should be asking: How do we make things better?

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Start Smart: Why Feasibility is the First Steps That Matters

A hand-drawn architectural sketch illustrating passive design strategies for a sustainable building. The drawing includes annotations highlighting key features such as MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) intake and extract, overhangs to reduce heat gain from the summer sun, and fins or slot openings for framing views while minimizing overheating from the setting sun. Arrows indicate the paths of winter sun and summer shading, demonstrating solar gain control. The sketch also highlights a sheltered outdoor space for protection against inclement weather and a connection to nature through large openings. The background consists of loosely sketched trees and vegetation, situating the building within a natural landscape.

If you don’t know where you're going, how will you know when you’ve arrived?

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External Wall Insulation: More Than Just a Blanket for Your Home

Kitchen in Low Energy Home with Birch plywood clad ceiling and Dinesen Douglas Fir floor and bespoke kitchen cabinets

When I was growing up, winter had a way of seeping into our home. I remember lying in bed, watching my breath form little clouds in the air, huddled under layers of blankets, waiting for the morning sun to take the edge off the cold. The walls of our house felt more like a sieve than …

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The Future of Home: Where Comfort, Energy, and Wellbeing Meet

Entrance Hallway of Low Energy Home for house in Surrey, South East England

2025 feels like a turning point.

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Interview with Olly Jones & Anne-Claire – Clients of Herbert Paradise

Client's dog in rear garden with garden studio of low energy home in London in background

Interviewer: Sean Ronnie Hill, Director of RISE Design Studio

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Oriel House: Planning Approved for a Deep Retrofit in Queen’s Park, London

Some houses have history. Others have potential. Oriel House has both.

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Insulation: The Quiet Hero of Sustainable Living

In our pursuit of sustainable design, the spotlight often falls on cutting-edge technologies and bold aesthetics. But let’s pause and consider a quieter, often-overlooked element: insulation. At RISE Design Studio, we view insulation not just as a building material, but as an essentia …

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Redefining the Modern Country House: The Art and Challenge of Paragraph 80

A modern countryside home featuring a minimalist design with a gabled roof and large vertical windows, blending natural stone and timber materials. The house is surrounded by lush greenery, a reflective pond with lily pads in the foreground, and an open, serene rural landscape in the background.

For those who dream of creating a one-of-a-kind home nestled in the quiet beauty of the countryside, Paragraph 80 offers a rare and exciting opportunity. This section of the UK’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is not just a policy - it’s an invitation to think differently, …

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Casa Gomis: A Masterclass In Sustainable Architecture - Lessons From A 1960's Pioneer

Casa Gomis, framed by lush green pine trees, highlights its wave-like roof design and seamless integration with nature, exemplifying environmentally sustainable architecture.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of visiting Casa Gomis with my friend and fellow architect Pera Buil of Vora, the Barcelona-based architectural studio. Also known as La Ricarda, this remarkable house near Barcelona offers a masterclass in sustainable architecture that remains sta …

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The Future Of Sustainable Architecture: Designing For Tomorrow

Aerial view of modern sustainable architecture in an urban setting, showcasing eco-friendly features such as green roofs integrated into residential structures. The design emphasises harmony with nature, maximising green space and reflecting a commitment to sustainable, future-oriented urban planning.

In an era where environmental consciousness is no longer a luxury but a necessity, sustainable architecture stands at the forefront of our efforts to create a more eco-friendly world. At RISE Design Studio, we're not just designing buildings; we're crafting sustainable legacies that w …

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