Passivhaus for the People → Why This Changes Everything
by Sean Hill on Feb 5, 2025
Imagine stepping into a home where the temperature is just right—year-round. No rattling radiators. No sky-high bills. Just clean air, steady warmth, and a sense of calm that’s hard to put into words.
How to Plan Your Eco-Retrofit: A Step-by-Step Guide
by Sean Hill on Jan 14, 2025
Transforming your home through an eco-retrofit isn’t just about saving energy - it’s about reshaping how you live. At RISE Design Studio, we believe the best homes are those that work in harmony with the environment while enhancing the day-to-day experience of their inhabitants.
Navigating the New National Planning Policy Framework: Thoughts from Sean Ronnie Hill, Director of RISE Design Studio
by Sean Hill on Dec 13, 2024
The recent reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) are causing waves in the worlds of architecture, urban planning, and development. For someone like me - someone who’s dedicated their career to creating spaces where sustainability is a cornerstone - these changes are …
Bridging The Gap: Marrying Legacy And Innovation In Architecture
by Sean Hill on Oct 30, 2024
In the ever-evolving world of architecture, there's a delicate balance to strike between honouring time-tested traditions and embracing cutting-edge innovations. At RISE Design Studio, we believe that the future of sustainable architecture lies in bridging this gap, creating homes and …
The Future Of Sustainable Architecture: Redefining Comfort With Passivhaus Principles
by Sean Hill on Aug 14, 2024
In 2012, I found myself surrounded by architects, engineers and contractors meticulously applying airtightness tape to window junctions. At first glance, it seemed like a mundane exercise. But that hands-on workshop ignited something profound - a passion for rethinking how buildings c …
Do I Need an Architect?
by Sean Hill on Jun 19, 2024
Do I need an architect? Investing in a building project is not a decision to be taken lightly. It involves a substantial commitment of finances and personal aspirations. When embarking on such a venture, it becomes very important to ensure that every aspect is meticulously handled wit …
Ice Cream House, Hampstead, North London
by Sean Hill on Oct 5, 2023
: Site Progress : Reimagining of a typical London Victorian mid-terrace house, within the Mansfield Conservation Area, as a place of sanctuary and reflection from the city. Site progress at Ice Cream House in Hampstead, the above view is of the Kitchen with a view to the rear patio Th …
Sustainable Architects in Modern London: Why Choose RISE Design Studio | RISE Blog
by Sean Hill on Sep 10, 2023
London’s architectural landscape is a story of contrasts, where historical charm meets cutting-edge innovation. At RISE Design Studio, we are proud to play a role in shaping this city, not just with beautiful designs but as Sustainable Architects who put environmental responsibility a …
Navigating Architecture towards Net Zero
by Sean Hill on Aug 31, 2023
At RISE Design Studio, we’ve always championed a sustainable approach, especially in recent years when the climate crisis is more pressing than ever. As someone who’s seen the tide change and observed the inertia in adoption, let me take you through the essence of creating low-energy, …
Balancing Comfort and Efficiency: Understanding the Cooling Potential of MVHR Systems and Beyond
by Sean Hill on Aug 18, 2023
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 …