When it comes to designing homes, there are many important factors that architects need to consider. Openness, space and natural light are all crucial for achieving harmonious homes that are a pleasure to use, but these elements can sometimes conflict with the equally vital need for privacy and solitude. We use our homes for interaction, socialising and connecting with others, but they are also our sanctuaries where we should be able to retreat from the world when we need to. As architects, it is our job to fulfil both of these requirements as fully as possible with our work. Continue reading →

This year’s Ecobuild Conference arrives at Excel London on 8th March 2016 and will bring a larger schedule of events and talks than ever before. The three day event will cover important challenges in the UK’s construction and energy market including homes, architecture and the next generation. The event will give over 44,000 professionals from the industry the chance to network, discuss issues and create new solutions. Continue reading →

Pechakucha is a style of presentation that originated in Tokyo and enables designers to network and display their work. The format makes for presentations that move at a swift pace, which means designers need to express their ideas as concisely as possible. The system was devised by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham of Klein-Dytham Architecture in 2003 in an effort to attract people to their experimental space Superdeluxe. Continue reading →

It has long been known that people who live and work in aesthetically pleasing surroundings are happier, but it seems that the appearance of our environment can also have an impact on our health. A new research paper from the Warwick Business School takes a look at how scenery can have an impact on the health and wellbeing of humans. The paper is entitled “Quantifying the Impact of Scenic Environments on Health” and it makes fascinating reading. Continue reading →

A staircase is an essential architectural feature which does not only enable passage between the different levels of a property, but also adds to the aesthetic and spatial layout. From its appearance to its placement and location within the building, it is important to consider all the various elements involved in terms of both performance and design. If you are planning to renovate or install a new staircase in your home, there are several design possibilities to choose from and several factors to consider. Continue reading →

With the introduction of the Priority School Building Programme (PSBP), the Government has been taking steps in recent years to address the needs of schools in the UK which are in need of urgent repairs. 260 schools were included in the programme and earmarked to be rebuilt or improved. Continue reading →