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Detail Library – New Details November 2025

Detail Library – New Details November 2025

On the Detail Library, following some recent member requests, we are expanding our collection of pitched roof and eaves junctions with a particular focus on warm roofs and ceiling-level insulation. This new set of details supports a range of common and advanced...

Flat Roof Parapet Detail Explained (Detail Clinic Ep. 03)

Flat Roof Parapet Detail Explained (Detail Clinic Ep. 03)

Flat Roof Parapet Detail: Copings, Cavity Trays & Waterproofing Flat roofs are often seen as simple, but the way they meet the parapet is one of the most important junctions to get right. At this point, waterproofing, insulation, drainage, airtightness, and fire...

Building Fabric 05 – Airtightness

Building Fabric 05 – Airtightness

Introduction Airtightness is a key factor in determining the performance of a building. It refers to how well a building is designed to prevent uncontrolled air movement through its external envelope. When a building is not airtight, cold air can infiltrate, and warm...

Eaves Detail Explained (Detail Clinic Ep. 02)

Eaves Detail Explained (Detail Clinic Ep. 02)

Eaves Detail Explained: Membranes, Ventilation & Cavity Closers Understanding how the roof meets the wall is a key part of getting moisture control and insulation right. The eaves detail often combines multiple layers — ventilation gaps, membranes, insulation, and...

Detail Library – New Details October 2025

Detail Library – New Details October 2025

On the Detail Library, this month we’re expanding our collection of masonry wall extension details with a comprehensive new set that explores full fill cavity wall construction in combination with a range of floor types and finishes. The series includes 14 new details...

Cavity Wall Foundation Detail Explained (Detail Clinic Ep. 01)

Cavity Wall Foundation Detail Explained (Detail Clinic Ep. 01)

Cavity Wall Foundation Detail Explained: Wall Ties, DPC vs DPM, Insulation Upstand Understanding how a wall meets the ground is one of the most important aspects of construction detailing. The junction between the masonry cavity wall and ground-bearing slab brings...

Building Fabric 04 – Sound Insulation

Building Fabric 04 – Sound Insulation

Introduction Sound can have a significant impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. It can produce both positive and negative effects. This has been corroborated by several sound focused studies. One example of the positive being the 2021 Frontiers in Psychology...

What do you want, brick?

What do you want, brick?

Introduction ‘What do you want, brick?’ is the key question posed in the anecdote often shared by Estonian-born American architect Louis Kahn (1901-1974) in academic settings. Over the years, various parts and versions of it have become popular in architectural...

Detail Library – New Details September 2025

Detail Library – New Details September 2025

On the Detail Library, this month we’ve added a new series of details focused on timber frame house extensions, offering practical solutions for a variety of boundary, floor, and wall junction conditions. These details have been developed to address common scenarios...

Designing Accessible Ramps in Line with Part M

Designing Accessible Ramps in Line with Part M

Introduction to Designing Accessible Ramps in Line with Part M Ramps play a vital role in creating inclusive and accessible environments. They provide step-free access for wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, those pushing prams, and many others who may...

Wood Fibre as a Building Material

Wood Fibre as a Building Material

Introduction Wood fibre is one of the most commonly used natural fibres in sustainable construction. This renewable resource is sourced from harvested timber and wood processing by products. It is primarily composed of cellulose and lignin that give it its unique...

Detail Library – New Details August 2025

Detail Library – New Details August 2025

On the Detail Library, this month we’re expanding our CLT collection! CLT is growing in popularity, and we can see why. Just google CLT house and you’ll be presented with beautiful examples of this solid sustainable material. Due to the popularity of our existing CLT...

What is Liminal Space?

What is Liminal Space?

Introduction Have you ever walked down a long, empty corridor with lights buzzing overhead and felt a slight sense of unease, as if you were not meant to be there? Or perhaps followed a ‘staff-only’ route in a busy restaurant to reach a back-of-house toilet, noticing...

Building Safety Act Toolkit

Building Safety Act Toolkit

Introducing Our New Building Safety Act Toolkit for Principal Designers If you’re working on domestic extension projects, you’ll know that the technical side is only part of the job. The regulatory landscape is shifting — and as an architect or designer, it’s more...

Architectural Floor Plan Checklist

Architectural Floor Plan Checklist

Architectural Floor Plan Checklist: A Student's Guide Hey there, future architects! Let's talk about something you'll be doing a lot in your career: floor plans. They're basically the language we use to share our ideas, document our designs, and tell builders what to...

Detail Library – New Details July 2025

Detail Library – New Details July 2025

On the Detail Library, we’re pleased to share Part 2 of our comprehensive set of construction details showcasing Porotherm clay block systems. Porotherm is a precision-engineered clay block walling system that delivers fast construction, high thermal performance, and...

Lime as a Building Material

Lime as a Building Material

Introduction Lime, not to be mistaken for the citrus fruit, is an inorganic mineral that has been used in our built environment for centuries. It is predominantly derived from limestone or rocks containing carbonates of calcium or magnesium. This natural material is...

How to Maximise Light in House Extensions

How to Maximise Light in House Extensions

How to Maximise Light in House Extensions Natural light can make or break a house extension. The difference between a cramped, dark addition and a bright, welcoming space often comes down to understanding how light moves through buildings and designing accordingly. In...

Detail Library – New Details June 2025

Detail Library – New Details June 2025

On the Detail Library, we’re excited to announce a fresh set of technical details focused on skylights and flat roof assemblies in house extensions — designed to help you integrate daylight, performance, and aesthetic flexibility into your projects. This month’s...

Scale Conversion Tools and Free Guide

Scale Conversion Tools and Free Guide

New Tools to Help You Master Architectural Drawing Scales We’ve just added a set of free tools to help you get to grips with drawing scales in architecture — mastering drawing scales is definitely one of those foundational elements that can feel tricky at first. ...

A New Resource for Architects Working on House Extensions

A New Resource for Architects Working on House Extensions

Designing a house extension often comes with more questions than answers—especially when it comes to detailing. Every existing building tells a different story, and navigating planning, sustainability, construction techniques, and client expectations can quickly...

Detail Library – New Details May 2025

Detail Library – New Details May 2025

On the Detail Library, this month we’re pleased to share a comprehensive new set of construction details showcasing best-practice design and build-ups for Porotherm clay block systems. Porotherm is a precision-engineered clay block walling system that delivers fast...

Building Fabric 03 – Sunlight and Solar Gain

Building Fabric 03 – Sunlight and Solar Gain

Introduction Sunlight is one of the main natural elements to consider when designing a building. It directly affects user comfort, energy performance, and the overall quality of a space. Thus, understanding how the Sun moves across the sky throughout the day and year...

Prefabrication and Modular Construction

Prefabrication and Modular Construction

Prefabrication and Modular Construction: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Prospects If it feels impossible to get on the housing ladder, to find affordable rental properties near centres of employment, or, when the time finally comes to buy, a bidding war breaks...