Reinventing Timber: A New Chapter in Sustainable Building
by Sean Hill on Jul 9, 2025
At RISE, we believe in material honesty. In designing buildings that respect the earth they rise from, and the future they help shape. So when a material like Superwood enters the conversation—a bio-based innovation that challenges concrete and steel—it catches our attention.
Why Does External Wall Insulation (EWI) Spark Such Strong Reactions?
by Sean Hill on Feb 25, 2025
Every once in a while, a comment lands in our inbox that is more than just feedback - it is a full-on rant. The latest one (see screengrab below) was not just critical of External Wall Insulation (EWI); it was angry, rude, and frustrated.
External Wall Insulation: More Than Just a Blanket for Your Home
by Sean Hill on Feb 21, 2025
When I was growing up, winter had a way of seeping into our home. I remember lying in bed, watching my breath form little clouds in the air, huddled under layers of blankets, waiting for the morning sun to take the edge off the cold. The walls of our house felt more like a sieve than …
Insulation: The Quiet Hero of Sustainable Living
by Sean Hill on Jan 24, 2025
In our pursuit of sustainable design, the spotlight often falls on cutting-edge technologies and bold aesthetics. But let’s pause and consider a quieter, often-overlooked element: insulation. At RISE Design Studio, we view insulation not just as a building material, but as an essentia …
Exploring Structural Insulated Panels: Are SIPs Right for Your Self-build project?
by Sean Hill on May 30, 2023
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 …
Hampstead Architects
by Sean Hill on Apr 30, 2023
Nestled just above London’s hustle and bustle, Hampstead’s blend of the old and new, rural and urban, has provided a rich canvas for our team’s passion: designing low energy, low embodied carbon structures that are as sustainable as they are breathtaking. Let’s delve into this unique …
Designing for a Sustainable Future with Sustainable Architects
by Sean Hill on Apr 29, 2023
Our small, design-led architecture studio has been driven by a passion for contemporary design, with an unwavering focus on energy efficiency and low embodied carbon. This post is intended to give you an insight into our principles, our ethos, and our approach to eco-friendly, sustain …
Shortlisted – RIBA London Regional Awards 2023
by Sean Hill on Apr 28, 2023
We are delighted to announce that our The Lexi Project & Hub scheme in Kensal Rise is shortlisted in this year’s RIBA London Regional Awards.
West London Architects
by Sean Hill on Apr 3, 2023
West London is an important historic area, that is recognised for its historical, cultural, and architectural significance. There are seven conservation areas in West London, including:
Kensal Green Architects
by Sean Hill on Mar 30, 2023
Kensal Green was first recorded as ‘The King’s Wood’ on a broad green at the junction of Harrow Road and Kilburn Lane (later Wakeman Road).
