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If you’re planning your own project, or in the m

If you’re planning your own project, or in the midst of your own refurbishment or extension, there are always things you can do to reduce your burden on the planet.

Operational Energy-
The two fundamental considerations to reduce the energy that a building needs to operate are insulation and air tightness. If you can, increase the amount of insulation and, identify areas without any insulation. With this, find where the air could be escaping (air tightness); a typical spot is between the windows and the walls, and seal them up.

Embodied Energy-
You can try to reduce the energy demand on the building (operational energy). You can also try to reuse the materials you currently have... Think about self finished materials rather than plasterboard, and retaining solid walls for thermal mass. Think about where these materials are coming from in the world, and the energy it takes to manufacture them.

Biodiversity-
With any project, we try to increase the overall amount of flora and fauna on the site as an integral part of the project. There are often protected species such as bats and it’s a case of finding creative solutions which can be better off for all of us!

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The RIBA 2030 climate challenge makes great aims f

The RIBA 2030 climate challenge makes great aims for us, which we are working hard towards. As such, all of our projects make efforts to help reduce energy demand, increase renewables, consider supply chains and improve natural habitats.

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This week we thought we’d shed a little bit of l

This week we thought we’d shed a little bit of light on how a project can be more sustainable - friendly to the planet.

We try really hard with sustainability but we realise we can always do more! We often find the sustainability strategy on any project starts with us…

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New build houses are the best for creative freedom

New build houses are the best for creative freedom for us and our clients.

Although they often come with site constraints, they can be turned into design opportunities. These constraints could be the sun path, key views, natural features or neighbouring properties. As with all projects, the first step is understanding the site and it’s opportunities.

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Buildings are expensive and working with the clien

Buildings are expensive and working with the client and placing the budget where it matters to them, is absolutely critical.

There’s no point in gold taps, if the priority is that dream boot room!

We also have a responsibility to design as sustainably as possible…

If you scroll down our feed, you’ll see the seven key principles of design that we apply to each of our projects.

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When we design new builds, we really can optimise

When we design new builds, we really can optimise the design - this always starts with a good understanding of the clients brief. This could be a series of rooms, or a set of problems to solve.

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We love a good farmhouse. As they often pass thr

We love a good farmhouse.

As they often pass through generations, they are adapted and altered in often haphazard, ‘sticking plaster’ ways.

The trick for us, is to understand the motives as for why these changes have been made.

As a result of centuries of add-ons, they are often not listed and sit in their own surroundings, so lots of opportunities!

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As farmhouses are often not listed, sustainable in

As farmhouses are often not listed, sustainable interventions are easy to integrate. Improving the fabric efficiency with insulation and air tightness, using the often two feet thick walls as thermal mass, locally sourced natural materials.. so many options!

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Farmhouse layouts have often become confused as ti

Farmhouse layouts have often become confused as time has passed, with generational alterations.

We always interrogate the layouts with our proposals, to ensure the flow works as it should, setting up the buildings for many generations to come..

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We work a lot with listed buildings, adapting them

We work a lot with listed buildings, adapting them to function for modern life. Invariably, the buildings were designed in a different era, with different technology, social norms, room functions and cultural expectations.

Architects love a challenge, which is why we love listed buildings!

One approach is creating a juxtaposition between the old and the new - allowing both to speak for themselves whilst respecting each other at the same time.

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Listed buildings often have strong opinions of wha

Listed buildings often have strong opinions of what they would like done to them… and what stories they would like to tell.

We think it’s important ‘listening’ to them - by analysing their histories, former guises, and old lives.

Sometimes it’s equally as important to create some spaces, as though we were never there…

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Gaining consents. Owners are naturally wary with

Gaining consents.

Owners are naturally wary with Listed Buildings, and rightfully so given their legally protected status. We have a tried and tested process when working with these heritage projects. Fortunately, this rigorous design process, combined with demonstrating the respect we have for these buildings, paves a smoother route through Planning and Listed Building Consents.

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Jonathan is super proud to be invited onto the jur

Jonathan is super proud to be invited onto the jury for the 2023 RIBA Awards again, this time with a focus on sustainable design.

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Many of you will know that we are passionate about

Many of you will know that we are passionate about the World Land Trust. Each year we donate a portion of our profits to them, so that they can secure ecologically diverse land from human activities, forever.

So far, we have secured the purchase of over 100 acres of land, for nature to thrive.

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We’ve moved! We are now located at Watermoor Poi

We’ve moved! We are now located at Watermoor Point in Cirencester and really enjoying our new space.

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Often the buildings we work on have stories of the

Often the buildings we work on have stories of their own to tell. We think it’s our responsibility to enhance these details for the story to be self evident.

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It’s important to listen to the building and to

It’s important to listen to the building and to what it wants. After all, our interventions are only a part of the buildings life.

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Sometimes we like to figure out innovative ways of

Sometimes we like to figure out innovative ways of creating good design for good value.

This stair was ‘off the shelf’ CNC made, clad with the porcelain tiles, with a simple bespoke metal balustrade.

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Many of these photos are the result of a collabora

Many of these photos are the result of a collaboration.

Often starting with a client’s aspiration, then working with us to help visualise it. The team then grows as we navigate the various Planning/Listed Consents, followed by introducing the various specialist suppliers and Contractors to build the project.

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This week we’ve dug out some more lovely detail

This week we’ve dug out some more lovely detail shots from the portfolio. We’re hoping these will help you lovely 'followers’ on the way with your own projects.

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