Sustainable architecture for wellbeing and the environment. Creating and retrofitting buildings for resilience
We are committed to maximise joy creativity and productivity in the spaces we create, whilst minimising the use of energy within buildings & to reduce the environmental impact of construction.
Buildings contribute over 40% of the world’s energy consumption and emissions. The construction process uses huge amounts of embodied energy, so you can say that buildings are responsible for half of the world's energy use. Therefore by improving procurement practices, the construction industry has the gift to make a huge impact in reversing climate change. We wish to be part of this movement by actively delivering and campaigning for better buildings.
RIBA Chartered Practice
Architects, Interior Design, Project Management
We offer full architectural service
Passivhaus Consultant
The Passivhaus process consists of modelling the proposed building in the passivhaus planning package (PHPP). This gives the opportunity to optimise the orientation with size of window openings and associated selection of construction materials. The aim is to balance the energy received from the sun and other gains with the losses through the fabric. It is proven to be a reliable methodology when measured in use, thereby minimising the ‘performance gap’ between the anticipated and the achieved.
If there are mitigating circumstances where the full Passivhaus standard is not achievable there are other standards to aim for such as the AECB Building Standard – this follows the full passivhaus methodology still achieving an exceptional performance.
We have both newbuild and retrofit projects in the course of certification.
Retrofit Coordinator & Retrofit Designer
PAS 2035 – this is aimed at retrofit at scale, most often for publicly funded social housing renovations. The PAS protocol has the aim of upgrading the UK’s poor housing stock, in an efficient and risk free way. It has been observed that single measure upgrades (eg only wall insulation) can have unforeseen consequences, unless the building is considered as a whole with a profound understanding of the building physics involved.
Paul Cayford is an accredited Retrofit Coordinator, to level 5 (PAS 2035) – Trustmark Registered, partnering with Elmhurst Energy
Due to Paul’s architectural qualifications and skills, he is licenced to act as a Retrofit Designer (PAS 2035). This is a crucial role in the construction industry, as it is the key activity after the energy assessment, and requires considerable skill.
AECB Certifier
The AECB – is the UK’s leading independent green building platform, containing leading eco-partners in the construction industry. The AECB have created certification standards for newbuild and retrofit, which are more attainable and affordable than Passivhaus, and yet still make outstanding low-energy buildings.
AECB Certifier – Paul Cayford is an Approved AECB Certifier.
The AECB Building Standard (L3) is for new buildings of all types. We currently have a new residence, and a school, in the process of certification.
The AECB Retrofit Standard is for existing buildings and is less onerous. There are two standards L1 for minor interventions, and L2 for more comprehencive renovations.
RIBA Client Adviser
RIBA Client Adviser
As an accredited RIBA Client Adviser, Paul Cayford has a stellar track record of outstanding projects in this role.
Currently on the RIBA Client Adviser’s steering group, Paul instigated and co-produced the RIBA Client Advisers Sustainability Briefing Requirements Handbook 2023 – this is an invaluable toolkit for ensuring sustainability is incorporated into the very early project briefing stages. This is mainly aimed at large and complex projects, but may be used for projects of all scales.
