On the Detail Library, this month we published the second set of passive solar shading details, 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...

Introduction Water is becoming one of the biggest design challenges of our time. Globally, water scarcity is a sustainability issue just as important as energy use, affecting public health, ecosystems, agriculture and food production. 2.1 billion people of the world's...

Introduction Flat roofs come up regularly in residential extensions, rear additions, and contemporary new builds. And while they can look deceptively simple on a drawing, the build-up and detailing require careful thought — particularly around insulation strategy,...

On the Detail Library, this month we have been produced a new set of details in collaboration with Ecological Building Systems, specialists in sustainable building products and systems, and cover the application of their Retro Ecowall® internal wall insulation system...

Introduction Foundations are one of those topics that can feel surprisingly difficult to get to grips with partly because they're underground and invisible once built, and partly because the choice of foundation type depends on ground conditions that aren't always...

Introduction Pitched roofs come up in almost every residential project and yet when you first sit down to draw one, the details can feel surprisingly hard to get right. If you're here because you're trying to understand how a pitched roof actually goes together...

This month we have a new set of passive solar shading details - featuring both timber frame and masonry construction. The set includes fixed solar fin and overhang surrounds, a proprietary brise soleil, integrated PVC roller shutters with insect screen in both visible...

Introduction Rooflights are one of the most transformative features you can introduce to a residential project. Whether it's a loft conversion flooded with natural light, a kitchen extension with a flat rooflight overhead or a green roof with a rooflight rising above...

Introduction Beam and block floors are one of the most popular suspended floor systems in UK residential construction. They're economical, adaptable to different ground conditions, and relatively fast to install, which is why you'll encounter them regularly on...

Introduction Floor construction might not be the most glamorous topic in residential design, but it's one of the first technical decisions on any project and it involves more variables than it initially appears. Ground bearing or suspended? Concrete or timber? Where...

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...

Introduction Green roofs have moved steadily from specialist feature to mainstream consideration in UK residential design. With growing emphasis on biodiversity, sustainable drainage, and environmental performance in planning policy including mandatory Biodiversity...

Introduction Using the sun’s energy is one of the most effective strategies among renewable technologies. This is partly because buildings can benefit from both passive and active systems. Passive solar design complements fabric-first approaches like Passivhaus as it...

Introduction Window details are one of those junctions where several performance requirements converge on a small amount of space. You're dealing with thermal bridging at the reveal, moisture management at the sill, structural support at the head, and airtightness...

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...

Introduction In recent years, heat pump installations have gradually risen in the UK, seeing a notable surge in 2024. The adoption of this low carbon alternative to traditional heating systems is driven by a range of factors like net-zero targets, high fossil fuel...