Entries by kirsty

,

Historic England’s new guide to converting Listed Buildings into Homes

We were pleased to hear the news that Historic England has published new guidance for converting disused historic buildings into housing. Often historic or listed buildings are left empty and un-used as converting them requires a good understanding of how any changes will impact their historic significance. Often developers will either avoid Listed Buildings, or […]

,

PassivHaus with Living Space Architects – Week 2

Week Two has focused on solar gains and internal gains. Solar gains (using the sun to warm up) look at window placement, design, size, and shading. Getting these aspects right will help balance your solar gains (warming up the building) against your heat loss through the windows – windows do not insulate as well as […]

, ,

The greenest building is the one that already exists

As a practice we specialise in the adaption and re-use of existing and historic buildings, to help make them as sustainable as possible. Our two directors are passionate about sustainability and the historic built environment. With Stuart having expertise in all things eco-tech and Kirsty a qualified Conservation Architect, they make a great combination. We […]

Creating good design in Exeter: a collaboration

Last week our director, Kirsty Curnow-Bayley, ran an event at the RAMM in order to discuss good design in the city. Collaboration with the Exeter branch of the RIBA brought together architects, planners and members of public to engage in discussion of different aspects of the design process through participating in an interactive design charrette.  […]

,

Making historic buildings energy efficient – Heating and Insulation

Old v. New Heating Strategies Older buildings were constructed as a cellular arrangement of rooms that would be individually heated as and when they were being used. In comparison, modern heating strategies use electronic controls to tailor the heating in the house to your exact preference. It is also important to consider the difference in […]

Heritage project win following appeal: Upton Hellions, Mid Devon

Our proposals for work on a barn on the site of a Grade II* Listed Building have been granted planning permission following an appeal! This project in Upton Hellions, Mid Devon combines a historically-significant site with a Class Q barn conversion, which has resulted in a project perfectly suited to our experienced team at Living […]

,

Addressing Sustainability in Old Buildings

Incorporating environmental and sustainability measures into buildings is an essential part of good design and allows new construction to refresh old and so that buildings will stand the test of time. Hunsett Mill is located in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, a man-made wetland sustained through human intervention and the building of water-pumping mills, […]