In the face of environmental concerns and a growing need for sustainable solutions, the question of whether to reuse or demolish redundant buildings has become increasingly relevant. In this article, we explore the advantages of considering reuse or renovation, highlighting the economic, environmental, and social benefits that come with preserving our architectural heritage.

Our sensitive extension of a classic mid-century modern estate house celebrates the innovations in design and materials characteristic of the period.

Glendale is a house typical of the 1960’s, mid-century design. It’s simple form and pared-back detailing are a direct result of the innovations and design rationale developed in this period.

The urgency to achieve the government's net-zero deadline of 2050 has brought attention to the need for retrofitting both domestic and non-domestic buildings in the UK. The approach to the latter was discussed during a recent round table meeting that investigated reusing existing buildings for different purposes, particularly in empty or unwanted spaces, to rejuvenate failing town centres. This article synthesizes the key takeaways from the discussion, focusing on exploring barriers and potential solutions.

As we approach a celebratory weekend for the coronation of King Charles III, and whether you are a full-on rococo royalist or a staunch republican, I have been pondering how the New Carolean Era might be represented by the built environment and what the legacy for architecture could be, given the original Carolean period, or Restoration style as it was also known, was said to be the last true English vernacular produced since the Tudor period.

The 70 year long, second Elizabethan Era ended late last year and will be remembered for the significant social and political changes in a post-industrialised Britain, one that saw unprecedented advances in technology that included space travel, mobile communication, and the birth of artificial intelligence.

Given the current cost of living crisis through inflation (the CPI rose by 10.1% in the 12 months to January 2023), increasing interest rates (the Bank of England predict that the base rate will sit at least at 4.25 per cent by the end of 2023), rising construction costs and pending revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that could see housing targets abandoned; we invited a select group of experts within the residential property sector to help us find out; is the housing crisis in crisis?

Immediately a resounding YES was the answer. However, to test that theory our enthusiastic and insightful debate got stuck into lots of detail around the political, economic, and social construct of the issues which are currently challenging our country and how we are housed.

During the festive break and embarking on a new year allows us time, both physically and metaphorically, for reflection on the departing year and consideration on how to move forwards into the new one. What are our hopes, our dreams and what do we need to deal with to successfully navigate the future?

The government may have a toppling in-tray of big issues that need urgent resolution, to safeguard all our futures – and none more so than the precarious environmental situation and ongoing energy crisis. With their own deadline for achieving net zero set for 2050 – a target that is gradually gaining focus, but some argue is not sufficiently ambitious - there are many ways in which we should be participating professionally to help meet this. With 80% of the building stock at that date already in existence, the adaption and improvement of these structures has never been more essential.

I awoke this morning to driving rain. No shock there, but as I dressed for my daily walk I realised that the jacket I wore yesterday was still wet. I picked up my old jacket to find the lining covered in mould. So I dug out a really old jacket and off I went. On our return we hung up todays wet jackets, trousers, gloves and hats with the set left from yesterday and I looked around at the layer of condensation on our (double glazed) windows. And I noticed the mould setting in around the rubber seals. I consider myself fortunate that I am warm, dry and housed well, yet we still have these issues

Early yesterday morning some of us from iB Architects arrived at Swinley Forest in Berkshire for an away day of single track biking including training sessions with RPS. We had a great time, but as we were driving home, the car full of mucky mountain bikes and muddy kit, I was reminded of the blog post I started in the middle of the pandemic when the Government was encouraging us all to venture outdoors.