Many of us dream of a generous, light-filled kitchen that is the heart of the home. A space that works hard day-to-day, but also feels good to spend time in. Whether it’s family meals, weekend cooking, or simply somewhere to pause with a cup of tea, the kitchen is one of the most used spaces in a home.

Gaining planning permission is a significant milestone in any project, but it's just the beginning of bringing your project to life. The next phase involves making sure the building meets safety, energy efficiency, and structural requirements by demonstrating compliance with Building Regulations.

When we think about a comfortable home, we often picture a warm space in winter, fresh air in summer, and a peaceful environment. But what if our homes could actively improve our wellbeing?

Conservation areas are places of special architectural or historic interest designated to preserve their unique character and appearance. In the UK, there are over 10,000 conservation areas, ranging from village centres to historic urban districts. If your project falls within one of these areas, it's essential to understand the knock-on effects it may have on planning and design.

One approach we advocate to help our clients prioritise sustainability and energy efficiency is fabric-first design. Fabric-first can be used in tandem with other sustainable construction methods to help achieve Passivhaus certification. But how will a fabric-first design help you meet the rigorous standards while delivering long-term benefits for occupants and the environment?

The Passivhaus standard is often held as the gold standard for energy efficiency. But how does it compare to the baseline requirements of Building Regulations? For clients, developers, and architects, understanding the differences can highlight the benefits of taking a Passivhaus approach in building design.

Buildings should do more than provide shelter; they should offer comfort, prioritise health, and encourage well-being. When it comes to designing buildings that excel in all these areas, Passivhaus principles are the gold standard. But how exactly does Passivhaus design improve comfort?

Converting a Class Q building or agricultural barn into a residential property is an exciting opportunity for adaptative reuse. However, careful planning and design are required to ensure compliance with regulations and to create a comfortable, sustainable home.

What is the Passivhaus Standard, and how does it work towards achieving higher standards of energy efficiency and sustainability?