Architecture for London are leading Passivhaus architects in London. All of our designs employ a ‘fabric first’ approach to sustainability and director Ben Ridley is a Certified Passivhaus Designer. Visit our projects portfolio to see our recent work, or contact us on 020 3637 4236. This article discusses the challenges of meeting the Passivhaus standard in London homes, both for new […]
What is a maisonette? Property buyers often come across the word ‘maisonette’ during their search, although it can be unclear what this refers to. ‘Maisonette’ is a broad term, further confused by the fact that it can also mean different things depending on where you are in the world. This article explains the key features […]
One of the most common questions that our clients ask is: how long does planning permission take? The short answer is that the statutory period for determining an application is 8 weeks for a household or minor application. Larger or complex developments can, however, take up to 13 weeks. There are many factors which can […]
If challenges are found early, they don’t remain challenging for long. Through a process of mapping options, risks, challenges and opportunities – developers can ensure that a scheme is viable and appealing to the market. The feasibility study is a key part of this process. This article provides an overview of feasibility studies and their […]
The Use Classes Order places uses of land and buildings into various categories called ‘Use Classes’. The following list indicates types of use which may fall within each use class. Some changes of use of a building or land do require planning approval, but often a change of use of a building or land does not need planning permission where the proposed use is similar to the existing…
Planning application costs can vary substantially depending on the nature of the consent sought. This article explains the costs of each type of application and also outlines project-specific consultant fees…
Who are the millennial generation? Millennials, otherwise known as Generation Y, are those born between 1980 – 2000. They have also been labelled the ‘Peter Pan’ generation due to many delaying rites of passage into adulthood for longer periods than those before them. This delay may be attributed to economic pressures not faced by previous […]
This article illustrates architects fees for various types and sizes of project, with a focus on private homes. As there are no longer standard or even recommended fees in the UK, they are a matter for negotiation between an architect and the client. They will be determined by the size and location of the architectural practice, the size and type of the project and level of service required. Projects are usually defined by comparative difficulty levels with categories one to five, each having a complexity greater than the previous category…
Our existing housing stock poses a challenge as we nationally aim towards the ‘2050 net-zero’ carbon emissions target, which aims to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees. The buildings we refurbish now are not likely to be refurbished again before 2050, so they must achieve net zero standards now. This net zero goal can be […]
This research post is a record of our explorations in ultra-thin polished sustainable concrete structures. The aim was to develop a material that would reduce the mass of concrete required for both surfaces and volumes. Concrete has been identified as producing 8% of the worlds CO2 emissions (BBC, 2016). However, this is mostly due to […]
A construction phase plan (CPP) is part of the process of mitigating risk and issues that may arise in construction projects. It helps the contractor prepare for correct health and safety procedures to be followed on site. View our projects page to see our recent work, or contact us on 020 3637 4236 to discuss your project. By […]
Passivhaus homes use very little energy for space heating. They require less than 15 kWh per square meter per year. For a 200 square metre house, the total energy use for space heating each year is therefore 3000kWh or less. If the cost of energy is 4p per kWh, the total cost of heating a 200 square metre house each year is therefore just £120. How does this compare to your annual fuel bills?
Natural and charred larch meet at our two storey rear extension in Queens Park
Fort Albion in Westminster was designed in collaboration with our client’s four year old son. It features a drawbridge, arrow slots, crenels and a secret trap door. All external timber is Siberian Larch, which will silver over time.
Inspiration: Carlo Scarpa. Credit seier+seier
Fort Albion in Westminster was designed in collaboration with our clients four year old son. It features a drawbridge, arrow slots, crenels and a secret trap door. All external timber is Siberian Larch, which will silver over time.
Inspiration: Hans Chr. Hansen. Credit seier+seier
Stone and natural brass at Muswell Hill
Meet the team: Theo was awarded the 2019 RIBA Journal drawing prize and has lectured at the Royal Academy. He leads our digital fabrication and is assistant (to the) IT manager.
Inspiration: Carlo Scarpa. Credit seier+seier
Casting concrete basins for our house at Hemingford Road
Our housing at Wood Street, Walthamstow is inspired by the 19th century industrial buildings of East London.
Mirror at Muswell Hill #finishingtouches