Design and Inspiration

Design and Inspiration, Interior Design, Materials

Double-Glazing and Triple-Glazing Advantages

30th November 20210

Advantages of Double Glazing and Triple Glazing 

What is double-glazed glass? 

Double glazing is used in all kinds of glass installations and involves two panels of glass set in the same frame that are separated by a thin layer or air or sometimes gas such as argon. Double-glazed windows keep the cold out and the warmth in keeping away the draft. 

What is triple-glazed glass? 

Triple glazing is a window that has three panes of glass separate my argon gas. This extra layer makes it even more difficult for heat to escape and cold to come through. 

The benefits of Double and Triple glazing 

Double glazing 

  • Reduces heat loss and drafts – Double glazing reduces heat loss by not allowing the heat to escape. 
  • Provides acoustic insulation – This attempts to prevent sound leaving and coming into the home. 
  • Increases security – This increases security as it’s a lot more difficult to break than standard glass, making burglars want to avoid trying. 
  • Reduces build-up of condensation. 

Triple glazing 

  • Reduces condensation on your windows 
  • Reduces heating bills – This keeps the heat in your home and the cold outside. This will prevent the heat leaving your home meaning you don’t need to use the heating as often. 
  • Makes home noticeably more comfortable  
  • Reduces carbon output and greenhouse gases. 

Types of double glazing 

  • Low-E glass 
  • Float glass  
  • Laminated glass 
  • Toughened glass 

Advantages of Low-E glass 

  • Makes your home more energy efficient  
  • Potentially saves money on heating bills 
  • Reduces the glare from the light 
  • Reduction in your heating bills correlates to a reduction in total energy usage, reducing carbon footprint. 
  • Low-E glass helps keep unwanted UV rays out of your home that can damage your skin or furniture. 

Is Low-E glass worth double-glazing? 

High-efficiency double-glazed Low-E glass is really good at reducing heat loss saving on bills in the long run. 

Advantages of toughened glass 

  • Strength – This glass is known as a safety glass is five times stronger that regular glass.  
  • Sound reduction  
  • UV protection 
  • Impact resistance 
  • Heat resistance  
  • If broken the glass will shatter evenly into small pieces so there are no shards or splinters of glass causing less risk of injury. 

Toughened glass is commonly used for car windscreens, greenhouses, shower screens, glass shelves and table tops. 

Advantages of Float glass 

  • Float glass has a complete even surface. 
  • Environment friendly  
  • Displays – its crystal-clear transparency   

Advantages of laminated glass  

  • Has a plastic layer between the two panes of glass which holds the shards when broken. 
  • Easy to apply colouring  
  • Reduces the effects of harmful UV rays. 
  • Improves sound insulation 

Laminated glass is commonly used for external and internal doors, shop fronts, car windscreens, shelving and security glass. 

Questions that are commonly asked  

What’s wrong with single-glazed windows? 

There is nothing wrong with single glazed windows, it still does its purpose but single pane windows can cause heat loss, noise and condensation. 

Do I need planning permission? 

You don’t need to apply for planning permission to double glaze windows. However, if your home is in a conservation area or your home is a listed property you may find yourself to be under restricted rules only being allowed single pane windows. If you live in a conservation area or listed property, check your restrictions before starting anything. 

Is triple-glazing more expensive than double-glazing? 

Yes, it is. Triple-glazed glass costs up to 33% – 50% more expensive than doubled-glazed glass. 

What frames can I use? 

  • Timer 
  • Aluminium  
  • PVCU 

There key benefits: 

Timber:  

  • Natural appearance  
  • Renewable raw material  
  • Excellent insulator  
  • Durability  

Aluminium  

  • Durability  
  • Easy care 
  • Modern look 
  • Eco-friendly 
  • Light weight 

PVCU 

  • Easy care  
  • Long durability  
  • Very good insulation properties 
  • Versatility  
  • Many colours available  
  • Light weight  
  • Lower price  
  • 100% Recyclable  

Contact us

Contact us
Design and Inspiration, House Renovation

Renovations That Increase Your House Value: Part 1

29th November 20210

Renovations to consider when wanting to add more value to your home 

Loft and garage conversions  

These two conversions are the most popular way of extending and adding value to the property. However, converting these into living space will add value by 15%. In addition, a garage conversion will increase the value by 20%. People convert these to create more living space and storage. 

Energy efficiency improvements  

This can fall into two categories: 

  • Simple low-cost improvements 
  • High-cost improvement works 

From research, energy-saving improvements to your property can raise the value by 14%. Meanwhile, improving lost insulation, cavity wall installation, double glazing, and adding a high-performance boiler would decrease energy bills giving the home more value. 

Outdoor décor (garden landscaping and external works) 

Furthermore, maintaining the garden area can add value by 10% – 20%. The things people keep in mind about the garden is: 

  • Privacy and security  
  • Good lighting  
  • Well thought terraced area  
  • Flat lawn  

Other renovations that can increase your house value  

  • Firstly, garage conversion 20% increase 
  • Secondly, loft conversion 15% increase 
  • Energy saving 14% increase 
  • Balcony 12% increase 
  • Outdoor décor 10% – 20% increase 
  • Open living plan 6% increase 
  • Kitchen 6% increase 
  • Central heating 5.4% increase 
  • Bathroom 5% increase  
  • Paint and decorate 5% increase 
  • Fireplace 5% increase 
  • Conservatory 5% increase 
  • Flooring 3% increase 
  • Roof 3% increase 
  • Finally, decking 2% increase 

Contact us

Contact us
Design and Inspiration

Everything You Need to Know About Installing a Balcony

26th November 20210

How much does it cost to add a Balcony? 

Depending on the complexity of the job would depend on the price. The estimated price of installing a balcony would vary between £1,500 – £5,500. 

The estimated cost would cover: 

  • Size
  • Design  
  • Labourer costs 
  • Material costs 
  • How complex the job is. 

Types of balconies  

  • Stacked – The most popular and common. Easy to install. 
  • Juliet/Faux – This is a faux balcony that may contain a small standing area but usually does not. A Juliet balcony contains a balustrade connection to the building without flooring to walk on. 
  • Hung – This structure is made out of stainless-steel cables that are fixed on the sides of the structure. These balconies are less common but have great strength. 
  • Cantilevered – This structure can be made from concrete, steel or timber. This type of project needs to be planned accordingly as the job is quite complex. 
  • Mezzanine – They have a large decking area with railing. This structure gives you more space. 

Do I need planning permission to install a balcony? 

Furthermore, if your home is in a conservation area or your property is listed you must apply for planning permission. 

In other cases, if your balcony is smaller than 300mm you may not have to seek planning permission but it is always best to do so. When submitting your planning application form expect to pay a fee. 

Installing a Juliet/Faux balcony means you won’t have to apply for planning permission unless you decide to add flooring to walk on and then you must. 

Will it raise my house value? 

There are no guarantees that this will raise the price value, but they have been known the raise the value up to 12%. 

What are balconies used for? 

In addition, balconies are used for extra space, kind of like an outdoor room. Many people like to use their balconies as a garden. For example, adding a barbecue or flowers onto it. Whereas, others like to use their balcony to admire the views the structure allows them to see and relax on it. 

Contact us

Contact us
Design and Inspiration

The In-Detail Description Of Urban Design And Why It’s Important

18th October 20210

What is urban design? 

Firstly, urban design is the art of creating and shaping cities and towns. It involves the arrangement and design of buildings, public spaces, transport systems, services, and amenities. In addition, the urban design blends architecture, landscape architecture, and city planning together to make urban areas functional.  

Who are urban designers?  

For instance, urban designers are typically architects, town planners, or landscape architects. Their skill is to bring together ideas from developers, local communities, architects, planners, traffic engineers, and many others. Involving all of these skills and people will resolve problems and conflicts in order to create better places for everyone.  

What do they do?  

Urban planners decide how spaces will be used, considering the impact of development on an entire area. They evaluate long-term factors, such as demographics and economic trends, and make recommendations for the level of development in an area. They decide what types of buildings go where and what elements are needed to support growth.  

The difference between urban planning and urban design –  

Urban planning is the act of planning the structures of a city, including its policies, infrastructure, neighbourhoods, building codes, and regulations. In fact, the focus is more technical and political and is on the strategy, structure, and policy level.  

Whereas, urban design is the creation of city features based on plans. It is focused on design and user experience and operates at the features and systems level.  

Both careers involve the use of similar software programs, such as GIS and AutoCAD. Urban designers largely focus on the look and feel of the space, while urban planners are more focused on making sure everything meets local standards and regulations.  

The key job responsibilities for an urban designer include:  

  • Creating a detailed estimate of costs along with a timeline for completion which they then present to their client’s.  
  • Researching areas to create design pans that fit with existing spaces.  
  • Regularly visiting worksites to ensure the project is moving in the right direction and matches up with the blue prints.  
  • Meeting with locals and getting to know what they want and need to get the most out of their city.  

Good urban design focuses on public places where people like to be and will feel safe. Consequently, if the streets are empty, spaces feel isolated, uncared for, and potentially risky or dangerous.  

Finally, there is strong evidence that good design of public places offers many benefits, including:  

  • Improves physical and mental health  
  • Encourages physical activity 
  • Less car use  
  • Supporting the development of children by encouraging play 
  •  Improved sense of wellbeing and happiness  
  • Improved air and stormwater quality  

Contact us

Contact us
Architecture & Building, Design and Inspiration

Top 10 Most Famous Architectural Buildings In The World

1st October 20210

Have you ever wondered when you are traveling the world what the best architectural landmark is? Here is a list of the top 10 most famous buildings, and also some interesting facts about each one. in no particular order:

1. Gardens by the bay, Singapore  

firstly, it is a botanical garden in Singapore’s thriving marina bay. Designed by Grant Associates, the flower dome became the largest greenhouse in the world. In addition, the aim of the gardens was to raise the quality of life by enhancing greenery and flora in the city.  

The final construction cost for the project, not including the price of the land. But it was including an access road, drainage works, and soil improvement, within a £770,000,000 allocated budget. The annual operating cost is approximately £43,155,219. Because of its popular tourist attraction, the park received over 50 million visitors in 2018. 

Gardens by the Bay Tour on SIC – Everest Holiday Bangladesh

2. Linked Hybrid, Beijing 

Secondly, the linked hybrid is a building complex built in Beijing; China designed by Steven Holl architects. Furthermore, the building is known for its environmental design and uses geo-thermal wells for cooling and heating.  

It was built 2003-2009. Over 2500 people living there. In fact, it contains 750 apartments, commercial areas, parking, hotel, cinema, and educational facilities including a kindergarten and school.  

Linked Hybrid by Steven Holl Architects | Dezeen

3. The shard, London 

The shard also referred to as the shard of glass is a 72-storey skyscraper, designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano. It is the tallest building in the UK and the seventh-tallest in Europe. The construction of the building began in 2009 and it finished in 2012. 

In particular, the building includes 10 business sectors, 3 restaurants, 10 residential apartments, and the UK’s highest viewing gallery. It cost almost £435 million to build.  

The 10 Best London Shard Tours & Tickets 2021 | Viator | London attractions, London architecture, London

4. Metropol Parasol, Seville, Spain 

Metropol Parasol is a wooden structure located in the old square of Seville, Spain. The architect was a German architect Jurgen Mayer. Furthermore, it is approximately 26 meters and claims to be the largest wooden structure in the world. The structure consists of 6 parasols in the form of giant mushrooms.  

The cost of the structure approached 100 million euros which is £86 million. 

5. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

The Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper in Dubai, it has a total height of 282 meters. As a result, it is the tallest structure and building in the world. The architect was Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

It was designed to be the centrepiece of large-scale, mixed-use development. To list, it includes hotels, residential properties, restaurants, corporate suites, 2 sky observatories, parking, and a sky lobby.    

The construction of the Burj took 22 million man-hours and the total cost for the project was about £1.2 billion.  

Burj Khalifa Observation Deck with Dubai Aquarium & More - Klook UK

6. Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur 

The Petronas Towers are twin skyscrapers in Malaysia. The architect was Argentine-American architect Cesar Pelli. They remain the tallest twin towers in the world. They feature a double-decker sky bridge connecting the two towers on the 41st and 42nd floors. This makes it the highest 2 storey bridges in the world.  

Construction of the towers started in 1993 and was finished in 1996. And the cost of the construction cost £1.2 billion. 

7. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy 

Known worldwide for its nearly 4 degrees lean (the result of an unstable foundation). In addition, the tower is located behind the Pisa Cathedral and is the third oldest structure in the city’s cathedral square.   

There has been controversy about the real identity of the architect of the leaning tower of Pisa. The architect is Bonanno Pisano. However, a study in 2001 seems to indicate Diotisalvi was the original architect, due to the time of construction.   

To begin, the construction of the tower occurred in three stages over 199 years. Construction started in 1172. Foundations were laid in 1173. The tower began to sink after construction had progressed to the second floor in 1178. This was due to a three-meter foundation, set in weak unstable subsoil. In 1264 the master builder and 23 workers went to the mountains to cut marble. In 1272 construction continued. The construction was finished in 1372. 

8. Taj Mahal, Agra 

The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the bank of the river Yamuna in the Indian city of Agra. Built 1632-1653. And the architect was the Mughal emperor Shan Jahan. It then was to house the tomb of his favourite wife and later on himself. The tomb is the centrepiece of the 42-acre complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house.  

The taj mahal is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653. And at a cost estimated at the time to be around 32 million rupees. In fact, in 2020 that would be approximately 70 billion rupees (about UK £700 million). 

The Taj Mahal will now fine visitors who stay longer than three hours - Lonely Planet

9. Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia  

The Sydney opera house is a multi-venue performing arts centre. It is one of the 20th century’s most famous and distinctive buildings. The architect was a Danish architect, Jorn Utzon. But completed by an Australian architectural team headed by Peter Hall. The construction first started in 1959 and it ended in 1973. In addition, the cost of the construction was $102 million (£75.6 million pounds). 

It features a modern expressionist design, with series of large precast concrete shells, each composed of sections of a sphere.  

10. Absolute World, Mississauga, Ontario 

Finally, the Absolute world is a residential condominium twin tower skyscraper complex. The architect was Fernbrook Homes. The taller building was nicknamed the ‘Marilyn Monroe’ tower due to its curvaceous, hourglass figure. Built 2007-2012.

Contact us

Contact us
Architecture
Architecture & Building, Design and Inspiration

Digital Progression – The Ever-Evolving World of Modern Architecture

29th September 20210

Before the digital age, geometry generally dictated what architectural designers could achieve. Some extraordinarily talented individuals were ahead of their time when it came to creating building designs with unusual patterns.

This changed with the arrival of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and BIM (Building Information Modelling). In recent times, technological tools like these have provided designers with more powerful means to render complex designs.

Below, Pro Arkitects – Design & Build Experts take a look at some of these new technological gizmos. Plus, we explore the constructions that continue to push the envelope of what is possible in building design.

Geometry Projects Defined by Computer Algorithms

New programs, such as Autodesk’s Project Abaka, make it possible for designers to go beyond the rules of geometry. Now, an architectural designer can tell a computer the requirements of a design they want to produce.

After entering the client’s desired criteria, the computer will provide a vast quantity of project design solutions and geometric configurations. This will only take the computer a few seconds to complete, whereas, for a person, it will take much longer.

Computer Printout Buildings

In a spectacular feat of architectural science, the Landesgartenschau Exhibition Hall in Germany was constructed. Although, a combination of bio-mimicry elements, Robotically prefabricated beech plywood plates, and digital architecture software were used to accomplish this. However, the exterior design itself is based on sea urchin skeletons.

Not only did it draft the plans for each panel – but it also controlled the CNC (Computer Numerical Control Milling) machinery. This cut each piece and directed the robotic arm which joined them together.

The revolutionary building designs state that the Hall is the only commercial building to have been made from prefabricated plywood beech plates by a robot.

Expanding Possibilities

Gramazio & Kohler Architects are at the forefront of digital fabrication. They use a combination of CNC milling, 3D-modelling software, and hand-drawn conceptual mock-ups to finalise projects. Examples of this are the ceilings of the Federal Court Building in Bellinzona, Switzerland.

As described in a recent publication of Architectural Record, “The ceiling panels, which include perforations and a swirling pattern, perform both aesthetic and acoustical functions.” The report elaborated; “They reflect light from a central skylight above the rooms and help ensure that the court proceedings are audible.”

In addition, only a generation or two ago, these fabrication techniques and building designs would have solely taken place in fiction. But now, courtesy of the continued innovation in the field of digital architecture software, they are gradually becoming a reality.

Contact us

Contact us
Design and Inspiration

The Top 7 Best And Most Useful Types Of Roofs

23rd September 20210

Gable Roofs  

Firstly, gable roofs are one of the most common types of roofs in colder climates. It consists of two sections whose upper horizontal edges meet to form its ridge. In regions with strong winds and heavy rain, gable roofs are built with a steep pitch in order to present to prevent the ingress of water.    

They are recognised by their triangular shape. 

Gable roofs are friendly to all types of materials. However, if they contain hips and valleys, consider using metal shingles or standing seams to avoid leaks.  

Advantages: 

  • Inexpesnive    
  • Are based on simple design principle 
  • More weather-resistant than flat roofs  
  • The loft can be turned into living  space  

Disadvantages: 

  • Gable roofs are more prone to wind damage than hip roofs   
  • Gable roofs can collapse if frames are not constructed properly 
Gable Roof - What It Is, Pros/Cons and Variations - Homenish

Mansard roof   

Secondly, A mansard roof is a four-sided gambrel-style hip roof. It has two slopes on each side. Punctured by dormer windows, at a steeper angle than the upper. This type of roof with windows creates additional floor and living space.  

Pros:  

  • The mansard style makes maximum use of the interior space of the loft  
  • A simple mansard roof is rather cheap  
  • Extra living space adds value to the house  

Cons  

  • A typical mansard can be costly  
  • A low pitched mansard roof is not recommended for use in places with high rainfall 

Hip roofs 

Thirdly, a hip roof is a type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls. They usually have four sides like a mansard roof, often shaped like a pyramid. There are three types of hip roofs: simple hip, crossed hip, and half-hipped. However, simple hip roofs are the most common.  

Pros:  

  • Durable and sturdy  
  • It is excellent for windy areas  
  • Offers extra living space  

Cons: 

  • Expensive and complex 
  • Can develop water leaks if not well installed 
  • Requires extra maintenance 
Hip Roof: The Ultimate in Modern Roof Design - Worst Room

Shed roof  

A shed roof is a single sloping roof attached to a taller wall. A shed roof doesn’t have any adjoining roofs. And can be installed on an independent building or leaned into an already existing one.   

They are mostly used for home additions and are getting popular with modern home roofing. This roof is used for eco-friendly houses.

Pros:  

  • Suitable for rain regions 
  • Less expensive
  • Allows natural light  
  • Easy to assemble 

Cons: 

  • When the pitch is too high, the ceiling becomes low. 
  • Not suitable for areas with high wind 
Mercury Small House Plan | Modern Shed Roof Home Design with Photos

Gambrel roof  

 A gambrel roof has two different slopes, one side is almost vertical steep slope while the other slope is lower. This design provides the advantages of a sloped roof while maximising headroom inside the building’s upper level. Gambrel roofs are also getting popular in modern builds.  

Pros  

  • It allows extra living space 
  • Easy construction 
  • Less expesnice  
  • Provides more storage 

cons 

  • Regular maintenance 
  • Needs to be water proof at the ridges 
  • Not usefull in high wind areas  
  • Windows may increase the chances of leaks 

Flat roof  

Flat roofs are often not 100% flat, there is a slight slope that allows water to run off. They also have centrally located drains and gutters to get rid of the rainwater on top of the roof. Flat roofs are common to commercial and industrial buildings. Flat roofs are often used in warmer climates, which allows the roof space to be used as a living space.

Pros:  

  • Less expensive to construct 
  • Suitable for installing solar panals when constructing an eco friendly house  

Cons:  

  • Not suitable for high rainfall areas  
  • Frequent maintence and repairs  
Flat Roofs: The Good and The Bad | Central Bay Roofing & Restoration

Bonnet roof  

Finally, bonnet roofs are like a reverse mansard roof. They have double slopes, the lower slopes are at a lesser angle than the upper slopes. In addition, if you have an open porch the lower slopes are good because they overhang and create a cover.  

Pros: 

  • They allow dormers  
  • Overhanging eaves provide protection from water damage  
  • Durable 
  • Bonnet roof allows extra living spac for a small loft 

Cons: 

  • Difficult to construct 
  • More expensive 
  • Need complex materials 
Bonnet Roof

Contact us

Contact us
Design and Inspiration

Top 5 Best House Styles in the UK

23rd September 20210

Put simply, Architectural Styles are what define the way a house feels and looks. In Britain, there are many house styles to choose from. They reflect the trends, wealth level, and the general mood of the era they were built in.

In many instances, a walk down the street can take you on something of an immersive trip through history. Undoubtedly, you will pass by houses that were all created at various points in time.

Here, we have selected 5 of the most popular house styles for you to sink your teeth into. Perhaps you are building your own home and are trying to recreate a certain style. Or maybe you are simply carrying out a renovation project and want to know how to remain authentic. Easy. At Pro Arkitects – Design & Build Experts, we’ve got the guide for you.

1. Georgian styles (1714 – 1830)

Spanning multiple generations, Georgian Architecture receives its namesake from the reigns of the first four King Georges of England. They’re large in size and are known for their elegance. Their satisfying symmetry, accomplished partly by applying the golden ratio, is extremely pleasing to the eye. Furthermore, they offered natural light, which had been noticeably absent from many earlier architectural styles.

A varied and highly influential category, Georgian Architecture encompasses many types of houses. These include stately English country mansions, as well as terraced townhouse blocks in London and Dublin.

2. Modern/ New Build styles (1990’s and Beyond)

By the 1990s, the British public desperately craved a change in the house style. People wanted more traditional features in their homes, following the exposed shortcomings of the popular modernist structures of the 1960s. As a result, new build houses outwardly mirrored older buildings once more. Rendered walls, mock timber framing, and cottage feature all appealed to buyers, approaching the end of the century.

Insulation started being introduced into walls and loft spaces around this stage. Additionally, double glazing began to be fitted into the majority of homes. However, there are more security measurements nowadays. Such as gas and fire safety rules.

3. Eco-Build (2000’s and Beyond)

If the 1990’s saw modernism rejected, in the 2000s, it rose significantly in popularity. This, along with people’s desire to live in more environmentally-friendly, sustainable homes, has led to the modern minimalist style.

The shape and form of these properties take into consideration the importance of shade and sunlight. Solar panels are fitted into new homes, and open plan interiors can be designed without the problems caused by droughts.

Exposed steelwork and timber cladding are common features in modern builds, as are large expanses of glass. Double and triple glazing windows can be fitted whilst maintaining thermal efficiency.

4. Pre-Georgian (1660 – 1688)

Unlike Henry VII, the Stuart Kings were more open to the architectural fashions from Europe. Inigo Jones became one of the first individuals to apply this style to buildings for the Royal Family. However, it would not be until after 1660 that this style would begin to transform housing.

Timber-framed homes were still popular with merchants and farmers in the countryside during this period. However, the homes of those who were better off were becoming increasingly built of stone and brick. It was at this point also that 2 storey homes with bedrooms above ground floor rooms became more common.

5. Edwardian styles (1901 – 1910)

During the Edwardian era, the Baroque style was adapted for grand houses and public buildings.

In addition, as many rejected the mass-produced goods of the industrial age, craftsmanship and traditional forms of the building were revived. It was during this time that the Arts and Crafts Movement led to a rise in vernacular architecture and timber framing. White painted timber porches and balconies, with intricate fretwork and balusters, were also popular.

The exterior of Edwardian homes was still colorful, but the patterns were generally more subdued than in the Victorian era. With the arrival of gas and electric lighting, houses did not get as dirty. This encouraged people to decorate with lighter, brighter wallpapers and curtains.

Contact us

Contact us
Design and Inspiration

Minimalist Design Taking Over? Everything You Need To Know

30th August 20210

What is Minimalist Design? 

Minimalist interior design is very similar to modern interior design. The design involves using the bare essentials to create a simple and uncluttered space.  It is characterised by simplicity, clean lines and a monochromatic palette with sometimes a small amount of colour.  

Why it Became Popular

Minimalist design has been popular for a long time, but it’s become even more so recently. It is popular because it works well with a lot of designs and has many benefits. Minimalist architecture became popular between the 1960-1980s. This is because in London and New York architects and fashion designers worked together in boutiques to achieve simplicity. They used white elements, cold lighting, and a large space with minimum objects and furniture.  

Why is Minimalism a Trend Today?

Most millennials have reported that they prefer to spend their money on experiences then on material things such as furniture and décor. This has marked a shift in priorities from people just a generation ago.  

Positives and Negatives of Minimalist Interior 

There are a lot of positives and negatives to this design for example: Minimalist interior is good because the spaces are instantly recognisable for their clean, crisp, and clutter free look. Studies have shown that decluttering your space helps declutter your mind, and creates a sense of visual calm. However, with the minimalist interior, you could run the risk of feeling slightly soulless and it can optimize your mental health.  Having the worry of creating a mess and focusing on only having things you need can cause people a lot of anxiety. Whereas, with some people, the minimalist interior is great because the brightness leads to less stress, and because of the minimal furniture the occupant doesn’t feel cramped. 

Many people have a fear of the minimalist design because they fear that it wouldn’t be homely without warm or bright colours and clutter. Designers and architects like to add different textures such as: timber, glass, pottery, cloth and canvases. They have found that using these textures make the home feel fuller and warmer and adds more character.  

If you are trying to become a minimalist the best way to start is to pick a good base colour and build around that. Also choose smaller, nicer pieces of furniture so it doesn’t bulk up the room. You shouldn’t try to hide stuff places either, because it will end up creating clutter again. And you shouldn’t involve needless items in your designs.  

Minimalist Interior Design for a living room
A Minimalistic Living Room

Design and Inspiration

A beginner’s guide to know all about green roofs

12th August 20210

What is a green roof? 

green roofs are buildings that are that is covered completely with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. The roof may include a root barrier, which is a physical wall underground placed so that plants may cohabit together. Also, a drainage and irrigation system, so the roof doesn’t get damaged. An irrigation system is an artificial process of applying controlled amounts of water to land to help the production of crops. The drainage system is so the roof doesn’t get filled up with excess water because it could cause a leak.  

What are the types of green roofs?

There are two types of green roofs and they are: 

Intensive: A tensive roof is one that is used as a recreational space, and often includes similar features to traditional parks and gardens. For example, intensive roofs would usually have shrubs, trees, paving, lawns, and even water features. It is basically a garden on your roof.  

Extensive: Extensive roofs normally intend to be viewed from a different location as visual or ecological features. These also do not have people walk on them apart from for Maintenace purposes.  

Why are they so popular and what are the benefits?    

The green roof market in 2017 was growing by 17% each year. This is because green roofs are very eco-friendly and they are a good way to promote environmental sustainability.  They also have a lot of benefits one of the main ones is that they reduce temperatures and remove heat from the air. In the summer green roofs protect the building from solar heat, and in the winter green roofs minimise heat loss through the added insulation of the roof. They’re also very aesthetically pleasing to look at and that’s why a lot of people go for the extensive roof. Another benefit is that green roofs reduce the risk of fires because of the high water content in the plants. That is a great thing because green roofs provide habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife.  

Green roofs do tend to be more expensive than a traditional roofs, because of all the extra support and the layers that need to be installed.  You would need to maintain it by removing the weeds and applying fertilizer so that the plants carry on growing. You could also have drainage issues, which could lead to excess water flow. However, the roofs also have an average life span of around 40 years. That would end up saving you around £144,397.00 in the long run.  

As you can see there are far greater benefits for a green roof. If you are an environmentalist or if you’re not this roof provides a lot of positives for the environment and in general.  Over the last few years, they have been becoming a lot more popular and the sales of them are growing.

Gallery of Sky Garden House / Guz Architects - 2
A green roof example