Sustainability?​  Architecture is Chemistry and Science!

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We use the term “sustainable” with care — always maintaining a critical design perspective. In recent years, the word has often been reduced to a marketing label — a form of greenwashing — often used to justify higher costs without delivering meaningful benefits. Many architects tend to follow industry trends without questioning them.

Meanwhile, we have all the materials and technology to build energy-efficient homes, Passivhouse idea is 35 years old , yet promoting these as if they were groundbreaking feels like advertising a car with an airbag — it should be standard by now.

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While the industry often promotes a “Fabric First” approach, which is technically correct, we believe architecture should follow the  “Human First” approach. 

 

A building that protects and supports human health and well-being will naturally benefit nature as well — by using less energy, producing less CO₂, creating healthier spaces, and encouraging long-term care, also for its surrounding. Long before sustainability became a trend, we were already exceeding Building Regulation requirements whenever possible, delivering technically sound, energy-conscious solutions.

 

Sustainability is very simplified the balance of the Health of Nature, Human and Economy.

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My interest in chemistry from an early age continues to shape our understanding of materials and their wider impacts.

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We recognise that material choices play a crucial role. We can help to make a good informed decision.

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Natural insulation products — such as wood fibre, cellulose, or hemp — offer excellent thermal performance and can improve indoor air quality. However, they are often seen as healthy, natural luxury options and require more careful detailing. Many are treated with chemicals to enhance resistance. If not properly installed and protected, they can be vulnerable to damp, insects, and pests — making experience and thoughtful specification essential.

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By contrast, standard insulation materials such as PIR (polyisocyanurate) are widely used for their high thermal efficiency in slim profiles and for being highly robust. They are much more resistant to light rain, moisture, and minor light exposure. They are petrochemical-based, contain isocyanates in their chemical structure, and releases unpleasant, harmful substances when cut or installed — making them far from pleasant for builders to work with. Their production is more energy-intensive, and their disposal is an environmental challenge. While generally considered safe once installed behind plasterboard. PIR insulation in a fire will cause  highly toxic fumes. In many cases, these materials resemble controlled waste products more than genuinely sustainable solutions.

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Our industry also faces broader environmental issues: microplastics, forever chemicals, VOCs, and fine dust particles, poverty, climate change, bad urban and housing design — problems that if we are honest won’t be solved by a mere  selling of indulgences beach clean or planting trees around the world.

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We aim to find honest, balanced outcomes — delivering the best possible results within budget and technical constraints. Our goal is to design homes and buildings that not only meet high performance standards but also create healthy, comfortable, and protected environments. A building should not only look good — it should enhance quality of life. People who feel well, safe, and at ease in their surroundings are far more likely to value and care for the environment.