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Blog / Passivhaus (3)

Housing Retrofit and the Quest for Airtightness: An Architect’s Guide

Housing Retrofit and the Quest for Airtightness: An Architect’s Guide

What is airtightness? Here, I aim to give you a deeper understanding of what airtightness is, combining theory with the practicalities we’ve encountered working on the many low-energy retrofit and new build projects we’ve completed. Proclima Intello tape uses for airtightness on this …

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Unravelling the Heat Pump Enigma: Debunking Misconceptions and Illuminating the Facts

image of Herbert Paradise rear and dormer extension project in Kensal Rise, North West London, includes a Heat Pump as well as other low carbon solutions

As we work alongside the UK’s net-zero carbon mission, one technology has emerged as instrumental – the heat pump. Yet, misconceptions surround it, impeding its adoption. In this guide, we’ll address and debunk 20 prevailing myths.

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The Future of London’s Historic Houses: Revitalising the Old with EnerPHit Refurbishments

Queen's Park House in Queen's Park, NW London, which included upgrading the existing walls with internal wall insulation.

Our journey in refurbishing London’s historic homes has led us to embrace the EnerPHit refurbishment strategy. This methodology guides us in revitalising older buildings to meet modern efficiency standards, and crucially, aligns with the government’s ‘2050 net-zero‘ carbon emissions t …

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Building an Eco Home: Designing for Sustainability, Comfort and Beauty

Mill Hill House, designed following Passivhaus Design principles.

Each project we work on teaches us that crafting an energy-efficient, beautiful home, requires an intricate dance of various elements, each resonating with its unique rhythm. At RISE Design Studio, our main focus is woven around the harmonious union of contemporary design, low energy …

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Crafting an Oasis within the Urban Jungle: The Art and Intricacies of Backlands Planning

Red Arches House - a new build house on a side garden of a house in Kensal Rise, North West London

Nestled within the confines of our contemporary urban sprawl lies an opportunity, often overlooked – the realm of the backlands plot. As an architect with two decades of experience leading a boutique, design-focused architecture studio, my journey has led me to deeply appreciate the c …

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The Powerhouse Standard – Pioneering Eco Architecture

Kjørbo, nestled along Sandvika's enchanting seafront, graces Bærum municipality near Oslo, Norway. These two refurbished structures, dating back to 1980, span roughly 2,600 square meters each. Their collective energy consumption amounts to a staggering 250 kWh per square meter every year.

Throughout my career, my focus has been on creating low-energy and low-embodied carbon designs that contribute to a sustainable future. However, there is one project that stands out among the rest – the Powerhouse initiative.

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Planning permission granted in North West London – Red Arch House

Planning permission granted for Red Arches House in Kensal Rise, North West London

We are thrilled to announce that our latest planning application for a new home in North West London has been granted permission by the local planning authority. Red Arch House has been a labour of love for our team, and we’re excited to share the details with you.

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The Power of Building Information Modelling (BIM): A Comprehensive Guide for Developers and Homeowners

Architects reviewing a BIM model on a computer screen

Welcome to the future of architecture! At RISE Design Studio, a small contemporary design-led architecture firm focused on low energy and low embodied carbon designs, we have embraced the power of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in our practice. With over 20 years of experience, …

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MVHR Heat Recovery Ventilation: What is it and how does it work?

Image showing ducting from MVHR unit to all rooms of the house at Herbert Paradise, Kensal Rise, NW London

As an architect with two decades of experience, I have witnessed the evolution of sustainable design principles and their integration into contemporary architecture. In recent years, the focus has shifted towards low energy consumption and low embodied carbon designs. One crucial elem …

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What is EnerPHit? Is it right for my home retrofit project?

Douglas House, Kensal Rise, North West London. Douglas House includes MVHR, high levels of insulation and airtightness

As energy efficiency becomes an increasingly important factor in home renovations, many homeowners are looking for ways to improve the performance of their existing properties. This is where EnerPHit, the gold standard for retrofitting, comes into play. Designed by the Passivhaus Inst …

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