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Blog / Sustainable Design (2)

Redefining Sustainable Architecture: The Pioneering EnerPHit Standard

Redefining Sustainable Architecture: The Pioneering EnerPHit Standard

Given the pressing need for low-energy and low-embodied carbon designs, the industry has seen a growing emphasis on standards like Passivhaus for new builds. But what about the vast number of existing buildings that do not meet these criteria? Enter EnerPHit.

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Balancing Comfort and Efficiency: Understanding the Cooling Potential of MVHR Systems and Beyond

Balancing Comfort and Efficiency: Understanding the Cooling Potential of MVHR Systems and Beyond

Over the years, I’ve had many clients ask me about Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems and their capacity for cooling. This summer, we have received a great number of enquiries about MVHR systems and whether they can be adapted to offer additional cooling. MVHR sy …

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Unravelling the Heat Pump Enigma: Debunking Misconceptions and Illuminating the Facts

image of Herbert Paradise rear and dormer extension project in Kensal Rise, North West London, includes a Heat Pump as well as other low carbon solutions

As we work alongside the UK’s net-zero carbon mission, one technology has emerged as instrumental – the heat pump. Yet, misconceptions surround it, impeding its adoption. In this guide, we’ll address and debunk 20 prevailing myths.

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The Architect’s Guide to Modern Plaster Walls: Uncovering Six Distinct Techniques

Clay plaster at our Douglas House project in the Dining and Kitchen in Kensal Rise, North West London (Birch Plywood storage doors on the right hand side)

Over the years we have grown increasingly attentive to the intricate details of the spaces we live in. Our focus has been on designs that optimise low energy and low embodied carbon. One of the critical facets of this work is the understanding and use of the materials we put into thes …

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Shaping Tomorrow’s Buildings: Towards Carbon-Positive Architecture

image of McKelvey Farm House, an example of carbon positive design

We have been involved in exploring the new frontiers of low-energy and low-embodied carbon designs for many years. Today, I’m excited to share the crucial role architects, like us, have in fighting the biggest challenge of our age – the climate crisis. Chapter 1: The Imperative of Car …

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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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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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Understanding the New Era of Energy-Efficient Architecture in the UK

View of the kitchen dining space in our Queen's Park House project in NW London by RISE Design Studio

The gravitation towards low energy and low embodied carbon designs has never been more pertinent. The UK, like many countries globally, is undergoing a significant shift in its approach to building energy performance. This article delves deep into understanding these changes, particul …

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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 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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