The Future Homes Standard is expected to come into force 24th March 2027 in England and represents a significant change in how the energy performance of new homes will be assessed and regulated. Alongside the Future Homes Standard, the industry will see the...
An element of building fabric like a wall or a roof has four key components: an external weatherproof layer, a continuous insulation layer, a structural layer and an internal airtight layer. Some materials may do more than one of these simultaneously. For example, a...
This summer has been filled with articles and posts about reducing internal heat and solar gain, whilst we battle with one of the warmest summers on record and a growing trend of hotter summers with a housing stock that is not designed for this new climate. The...
The irony is not lost on me, as I sit down to write an article about harnessing the power of the sun’s energy in mid-February 2026 in the UK, following the 4th wettest January in 120 years and 41 days (and counting) of rainfall. Thankfully, any number of AI engines...
For architects and building designers, specifying renewable technologies is now an everyday part of creating buildings that are resilient and fit for the present and future. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, paired with battery energy storage systems (BESS), are at the...
Approved Document M Volume 1 is one of those regulations that takes longer than it should to apply in practice. The provisions are detailed, the dimensions vary by category, and a lot of the information you need on a working drawing like clear opening widths, access...
When planning a dormer or loft conversion, understanding the fire safety requirements becomes crucial, particularly when elements are located less than 1 metre from a boundary. This guide draws directly from Approved Document B (Part B1 for Dwellings and Part B2 for...
When undertaking a loft conversion, roof extension, or any building works involving party walls, understanding fire-stopping requirements can feel overwhelming. However, getting these details right is crucial—not just for building regulations compliance, but for the...
Fire safety is a critical consideration in any residential building project, whether you're planning a new build, refurbishment, or loft conversion. Understanding when and how to implement protected stairways and proper escape routes can mean the difference between...
The Detail Library family is a broad church of subscribers from across the construction industry. Everyone is welcome, and whether you are an Architect, Technologist, Technician, a student or running a small practice, you’ll be aware of the various standards that...
Material change of use is treated differently across the Approved Documents, and it can trigger specific requirements when a building becomes a dwelling, contains flats, or changes the number of dwellings or rooms for residential purposes. This post focuses on...
An architect friend contacted me recently. Could I help him with some energy modelling for his home before he starts a retrofit project? He wanted to understand the baseline performance and test what the potential improvements might be upon completion. This would give...
