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MVHR Heat Recovery Ventilation: What is it and how does it work?

Image showing ducting from MVHR unit to all rooms of the house at Herbert Paradise, Kensal Rise, NW London

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 …

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Do I need an architect for an extension? The benefits, and alternatives, explained

Architects can add value to your project

When it comes to embarking on a house extension project, one of the first questions that arises is whether or not to hire an architect. Opinions on this matter are often divided, and it usually boils down to budget considerations. Bringing in an additional professional service can inc …

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What is EnerPHit? Is it right for my home retrofit project?

Douglas House, Kensal Rise, North West London. Douglas House includes MVHR, high levels of insulation and airtightness

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 …

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Exploring Structural Insulated Panels: Are SIPs Right for Your Self-build project?

What is a Structurally Insulated Panel (SIP)? Showing the sandwich of OSB and foam insulation

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 …

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A Comprehensive Guide to Party Wall Agreements

Aerial View of Mill Hill House in North London, designed by Architects RISE Design Studio

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 …

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Brent Design Awards 2023 Winners

Sean and Imran, Directors at RISE, with Muhammed Butt Leader of Brent Council

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.

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The Lexi Cinema & Hub wins 2 Brent Design Awards 2023

The Lexi Cinema & Hub has won two awards at the inaugural Brent Design Awards

Brent Design Awards

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The Triumph of Barefoot Social Architecture: A Tribute to Yasmeen Lari, Royal Gold Medal 2023 Laureate

Yasmeen Lari stands beside the women's centre she designed in Sindh province, elevated on stilts to withstand floods. This remarkable structure is crafted from bamboo, mud, and lime, showcasing her innovative architectural approach.

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 …

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Reimagining Architecture for a Sustainable Future: An Architect’s Perspective on the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge

Image of a contemporary rear extension in Queen's Park, NW London

With the climate crisis at the forefront of global challenges, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has set forth an important initiative, the 2030 Climate Challenge. Below we delve into this and share the nuances of the initiative and its implications for the architectura …

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Decoding the Maze of Pre-Application Advice

A pre-app for this home in a Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) helped us establish some basic design principles

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 …

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