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...
This second set of passive solar shading details extends the range introduced in Set 1, focusing on sliding and folding shutter systems across a wider range of configurations and opening types. Where Set 1 covered fixed fins, brise soleil, roller shutters, and a...
The Future Homes Standard is expected to come into force in 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 introduction...
This detail set has been produced in collaboration with Ecological Building Systems, specialists in sustainable building products and systems, and covers the application of their Retro Ecowall® internal wall insulation system to existing solid brick and stone walls....
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...
This new set covers a range of external solar shading strategies for residential windows, across timber frame and masonry cavity wall constructions. With Approved Document O now requiring overheating to be considered in new residential buildings, solar shading is...
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...
This month we have a new set of corner glazing details, featuring traditional bay windows and contemporary Fluid Glass corner sliding door systems. Corner glazing presents unique challenges—structural support for cantilevered elements, thermal performance at...
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...
This month we're releasing a comprehensive set of furniture layout CAD blocks and space planning guides based on Building Regulations Approved Document Part M Volume 1. Designing compliant residential spaces requires careful coordination of room dimensions, furniture...
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...
