Home / Projects
Projects
New low energy homes, retrofits of old and listed houses, and 25 years of interior, retail and exhibition design. Open any project to see all its photos.



Our own Passive House
Highpoint
C17 Grade II listed house
The Restoration Couple barn
Older and historic homes
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Bespoke furniture
Retail fit-out
Exhibition stand




Case study · New build
Our own Passive House
An award winning design and self build of a Passive standard, super insulated, low energy five bedroom family home on the edge of Guildford, replacing an original 1950s bungalow. The timber frame house is highly insulated, with low permeability, designed to Passive House standards.
- Award
- Winner, Guildford Society Design Awards 2020, Individual House
- Press
- An 8 page feature in Self Build and Design magazine
- Talk
- Presented at the Guildford Society Annual Architecture Lecture 2022
Time lapse of the passive raft foundation going in
The Restoration Couple’s film on how we made decisions on their build
Their film on the Marmox Thermoblock we suggested
Case study · Barn conversion
The Restoration Couple’s barn
For two years we have advised YouTubers ‘The Restoration Couple’ on the design and low energy aims of their large barn conversion, documented on their channel of 250,000 subscribers.
We modelled options of fabric build ups and U values, and varying levels of airtightness, to show how each would change the home’s energy use. The model showed that spending money and effort on airtightness, rather than more insulation, would do most for performance and comfort. We also modelled the overheating risk and influenced the glazing so the home is comfortable year round. To cut the cold strip at the base of the walls, we suggested Marmox Thermoblock.
“The savings that Alex helped us make on insulation levels and how we approached the building far exceed what we spent on getting the report done.”
The Restoration Couple



Case study · Listed building
Retrofit of a C17 Grade II listed half-timbered house
We have been working with architect Nicola Westbury, a Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings scholar who specialises in historic building conservation, to upgrade the thermal performance of her own C17 Grade II listed home in Surrey and extend it.
A full assessment combined a thermal imaging survey, an air leakage pressure test and a heritage impact risk assessment. The air test showed the house performing far better than standard assumptions, similar to many homes built in the 1990s. Measuring every fabric element allowed accurate values in a PHPP heat loss model, which tested each improvement option against its risk to the building and its historical significance.




Case study · Project management
Highpoint: six timber frame, timber clad flats
Built to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes. We project managed the 15 month programme, from demolition of the existing building to construction of the new one, with continued liaison with the architects and Network Rail because of its closeness to a mainline railway.
Alongside project management, Alex undertook the interior design, space planning and parts of the detail design package, particularly the external cladding and glazing.
What clients say about their homes
We have a part Victorian / part Edwardian house with single glazing and limited insulation, which we are hoping to retrofit with a heat pump and additional insulation. However we were concerned that given the age of the house this needed to be done sensitively and with the right materials to avoid causing damp issues. We found Alex through a recommendation.
Rachael LaanGoogle review · 5 starsOur 1970’s built house was freezing in winter, a supposed EPC rating of ‘C’ just not adding up with what we were experiencing. We were already planning an extension and some other improvements.
H&JGoogle review · 5 starsWe asked Alex to carry out a retrofit assessment after receiving conflicting advice from various tradesmen about how to address the cold and condensation issues in our property. He was extremely knowledgeable and flexible around our needs, taking the time to understand our situation fully. His guidance was incredibly helpful and has likely saved us several thousands of pounds in unnecessary work.
JamesGoogle review · 5 starsAlex spent a morning advising me on the insulation and damp issues in our Tudor cottage. He then sent a report and a set of thermal images for my reference. He's very knowledgeable, thorough and patient explaining the science behind his advice. I feel his advice is 100% trustworthy and his pricing reasonable. I'd definitely recommend him.
Caroline LGoogle review · 5 starsWe initially chatted with Alex during the design part of our barn conversion. Through his experience and PHPP modelling we were able to make some very effective changes to our design and materials. This was particularly helpful by prioritising where to focus our budget and time for best improvements on efficiency.
Restoration CoupleGoogle review · 5 starsWe have a 35 year old converted barn in Hampshire. We have owned it since new and we love it. Our concerns are (a) the insulation is less good than it should be and as a consequence parts of the house are often too hot in the summer months and (b) it has oil fired heating which in due course will have to be changed to an air sourced heat pump, or equivalent.
GrahamGoogle review · 5 starsAlex has been extremely helpful with the renovation and extension of our 1950s property. He undertook an initial retrofit survey (including thermal imaging and airtightness test) and provided initial advice. This was followed by PHPP modelling and recommendations on specific retrofit standards and targets.
Bill NelsonGoogle review · 5 starsAlex has been fantastic in helping us plan the renovation and extension of our 1920’s property. We were lost in the quagmire of options around insulation, heating and energy efficiency - and how to achieve a pragmatic balance without upsetting the fabric of the house. His experience and guidance has been invaluable in designing an efficient, but cost effective, solution.
Charlie HeathcoteGoogle review · 5 starsAlex gave the best of advice to us from the very beginning to end of our renovation project. His love of heat guns and PHPP models, knowledge of materials, help with builder and advice on possible curveballs/watchouts for our renovation exceeded that of all other suppliers we had working on the job.
will cohenGoogle review · 5 starsVery good experience. Alex came to do the survey and thermal imaging. Lots of discussion whilst he was here. The report was good, and pointed out at least two areas which need attention and which I had not considered at all. Thermal imaging particularly useful. Very useful zoom meeting followed. The process has allowed me to set priorities for the works to improve the thermal efficiency of my bungalow (with loft room added).
Paul TimothyGoogle review · 5 starsWith climate change and energy costs of increasing concern, it felt a little overwhelming to know where to start to improve matters. I’m so pleased that I called Alex. He was punctual,, thorough and extremely knowledgeable. He showed me where my house was losing heat and retaining moisture (which could lead to damp problems in the future).
Sarah GibsonGoogle review · 5 starsAlex surveyed our house given we had a number of different damp issues. He came across as very knowledgable, practical and easy to talk to. Alex sent us the thermal images and provided some immediate actions we could do as well detailing other solutions to help sort out the damp. I would certainly recommend Alex.
Rich MGoogle review · 5 starsAlex was approached for some broad energy advice for the renovation and extension of an old bungalow. He provided very useful, honest and insightful advice. We may ask him for further input into calculations and design, but so far this has been very valuable.
Marc&Agi VerletGoogle review · 5 starsExcellent thermal imaging survey and assessment of the requirements for improving the effectiveness of the house extension and rebuild to achieve a comfortably warm house with ground source heat pump fed from twin boreholes, triple glazing, underfloor heating and MVHR system. To be highly recommended.
Nod Clarke-HackstonGoogle review · 5 starsWe have been really pleased with Alex's prompt and professional advice regarding refurbishment works to improve thermal insulation in our barn conversion. Would highly recommend.
Luciana TeshimaGoogle review · 5 starsExcellent professional service and clear communications. Highly recommended.
Peter HampelGoogle review · 5 stars