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Blog / Retrofit (2)

The Future of London’s Historic Houses: Revitalising the Old with EnerPHit Refurbishments

Queen's Park House in Queen's Park, NW London, which included upgrading the existing walls with internal wall insulation.

Our journey in refurbishing London’s historic homes has led us to embrace the EnerPHit refurbishment strategy. This methodology guides us in revitalising older buildings to meet modern efficiency standards, and crucially, aligns with the government’s ‘2050 net-zero‘ carbon emissions t …

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Building an Eco Home: Designing for Sustainability, Comfort and Beauty

Mill Hill House, designed following Passivhaus Design principles.

Each project we work on teaches us that crafting an energy-efficient, beautiful home, requires an intricate dance of various elements, each resonating with its unique rhythm. At RISE Design Studio, our main focus is woven around the harmonious union of contemporary design, low energy …

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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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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

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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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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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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