Five residential architecture tricks to introduce light in your home
by RISE Design Studio on Nov 20, 2019
We have heard it time and again: a house with good light is a good house. But what is just as true is that not all properties come with the amounts of natural light we would like to have. That is why architects, engineers and designers have come up with clever ways of allowing those p …
Embracing imperfection: wabi-sabi and Japanese aesthetics
by RISE Design Studio on Sep 11, 2019
Here at RISE Design Studio, you could say that wabi-sabi is “part of our DNA”. A world view that stems from Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi is the acceptance of transience and imperfection. It can include asymmetry and simplicity, as well as an appreciation of the integrity of natural …
Why employ an architect?
by RISE Design Studio on Jun 13, 2019
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has produced a guide for engaging an architect. It includes some important topics, such as: appointing an architect, developing a brief, project leadership, fee options and legislation. In the next few posts on our blog, we summarise th …
AJ Retrofit Awards 2019
by Sean Hill on Apr 27, 2019
RISE Design Studio has been shortlisted for the Architect’s Journal Retrofit Awards 2019, which recognises creative excellence in the adaptive re-use of existing buildings.
Rammed earth walls: natural and sustainable living
by RISE Design Studio on Apr 15, 2019
‘Rammed earth’ is a technique for constructing foundations, floors and walls from natural raw materials such as earth, chalk, lime or gravel. With the lowest enviromental impact of all building techniques currently used in the commercial construction industry, rammed earth is receivin …
What is Building Information Modelling (BIM)?
by RISE Design Studio on Jan 8, 2019
Building Information Modelling (or ‘BIM’) is a way to create and mange information about a construction project throughtout the project’s lifecycle. The main output is the ‘Building Information Model’, a digital depiction of all aspects of the project. Not only is BIM innovative in th …
History of plywood and its present day use
by RISE Design Studio on Jan 3, 2019
We have recently completed several projects that have used plywood as a feature material. Plywood is made by gluing together thin sheets of wood (‘veneers’), with the grain of each sheet running in a different direction. The result is a material that is stronger and more flexible than …
Build your own home
by RISE Design Studio on Oct 17, 2018
Tens of thousands of people in the UK have built their own home. It can cost a lot of money, take a lot of time to plan and manage, and require a lot more attention to detail than when buying an existing property, but many find that it is worth it to ensure they live in a home that su …
What does it cost to extend your home?
by RISE Design Studio on Sep 12, 2018
We’re often asked how much a house extension costs in London. Extending the home is a popular option among clients who perhaps need another bedroom, an office space, or a living area, without the hassle (and stress) involved with moving house. Although home extensions in London genera …
How much does it cost to build a house?
by RISE Design Studio on Aug 16, 2018
We’re often asked how much it costs to build a house. This is a difficult question to answer: every new build has its own requirements and new build costs depend on a range of factors. In reality, it is possible to have an accurate estimate of the price when all of the drawings and wo …