Why Should I hire an architect? What does Architect do?

When ready to make the big step of starting a project whether this is a renovation, a house extension or a new building, it is always advisable to ask...

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Retrofitting Historic Homes

      Join Annie Naughton and her panel of expert speakers to find out more about the  possibilities for retrofitting our historic homes. Topics...
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How can insulation be improved to make a home more energy efficient?

The amount of insulation your home has will affect how well it can stay warm in winter and cool in summer. In England, only 7% of the housing stock was...

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Finance Questions

1. Is it expensive to improve the energy efficiency of my house?

The cost of improving the energy efficiency of a house varies depending on a range of...

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Tech Questions Part 2

1. Is it true that UFH will take a lot of energy and time to heat up my house?

The amount of time and energy it takes to heat a house using underfloor...

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Tech Questions Part 1

1. Is it true that air source heat pumps are expensive and inefficient?

No, it is not true - heat pumps are a very efficient way of turning energy into...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Eco-Homes

1. My builder is saying that they will build to the standard set out by the building regs, what do you recommend?

Building Regulations are the minimum...

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Landscaping

1. Are there any effective strategies for managing water consumption in a home to save energy?

Yes, there are many things you can do to reduce your water...

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Energy Demand

1. What are the advantages of making improvements to my home for me and the environment?

There are many advantages of improving the energy efficiency...

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What are the first steps that I will need to take to make my home more energy efficient?

Think about the fabric first, which means considering the thermal envelope – the walls, roofs, floors, windows and doors. Are the walls, roofs and floors...

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What is an energy efficient home?

Put simply, an energy efficient home is one that requires a small amount of energy to run. Homes in the UK are responsible for 21% of our overall carbon...

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Building Sustainably

Annie is an Architect and Passive House Designer who joined our team in April 2023. She has particular interests in participatory design and place-making,...

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Keystone's Perspective on the King's Speech and Climate Policy

In just under three weeks from now, King Charles will address the world at the Cop28 climate summit, urging governments to take decisive action on the...

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A very simple (simplified) guide to planning applications

Often the words “planning permission” for a project seems to anticipate struggle and long waiting times. However, often this is true only if the consideration...

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BIM: what is it and how is it shaping the construction industry?

What is BIM? BIM is defined by the Construction Project Information Committee (CPIC) as ‘a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics...

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