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Blog / Passivhaus (2)

Crafting an Oasis within the Urban Jungle: The Art and Intricacies of Backlands Planning

Red Arches House - a new build house on a side garden of a house in Kensal Rise, North West London

Nestled within the confines of our contemporary urban sprawl lies an opportunity, often overlooked – the realm of the backlands plot. As an architect with two decades of experience leading a boutique, design-focused architecture studio, my journey has led me to deeply appreciate the c …

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The Powerhouse Standard – Pioneering Eco Architecture

Kjørbo, nestled along Sandvika's enchanting seafront, graces Bærum municipality near Oslo, Norway. These two refurbished structures, dating back to 1980, span roughly 2,600 square meters each. Their collective energy consumption amounts to a staggering 250 kWh per square meter every year.

Throughout my career, my focus has been on creating low-energy and low-embodied carbon designs that contribute to a sustainable future. However, there is one project that stands out among the rest – the Powerhouse initiative.

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Planning permission granted in North West London – Red Arch House

Planning permission granted for Red Arches House in Kensal Rise, North West London

We are thrilled to announce that our latest planning application for a new home in North West London has been granted permission by the local planning authority. Red Arch House has been a labour of love for our team, and we’re excited to share the details with you.

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The Power of Building Information Modelling (BIM): A Comprehensive Guide for Developers and Homeowners

Architects reviewing a BIM model on a computer screen

Welcome to the future of architecture! At RISE Design Studio, a small contemporary design-led architecture firm focused on low energy and low embodied carbon designs, we have embraced the power of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in our practice. With over 20 years of experience, …

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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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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

EnerPHit aims to achieve similar levels of energy efficiency as Passivhaus for retrofitted buildings. In this guide, I will provide you with a comprehensive overview of EnerPHit, its requirements, the benefits it offers, and the considerations you need to keep in mind if you are plann …

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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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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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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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RISE Design Studio stands with MPs calling for the government to reduce VAT on green home improvements

rise-design-studio-stands-with-mps-calling-for-the-government-to-reduce-vat-on-green-home-improvements

RISE Design Studio, a small contemporary design-led architecture studio with 20 years of experience, is passionate about creating low-energy and low-embodied carbon designs. We believe in the power of sustainable architecture to combat climate change and create a better future for gen …

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