Sustainable Architects in London
We’re an award winning chartered architect practice that specialise in eco-friendly and sustainable design. Designing beautiful, practical and fun places to live and work in London. We strive to deliver responsive solutions for the residents of London which have a minimal impact on the environment.
We are passionate about providing great architecture. Good architecture will lift your spirits as well as be fully functional. We specialise in low carbon, eco home designs that are light on the planet and light on your pocket. As an RIBA registered practice, we offer the full architectural service from feasibility to on-site supervision and completion of your project. We will listen to your requirements and aim to provide appropriate solutions.
Architects in London
As an RIBA-chartered practice, Eco Design Consultants specialises in sustainable architecture, offering tailored services that guide projects from initial concept through to completion across a range of sectors in London.
Every client and project is unique, which is why a collaborative approach is taken to understand individual needs, aspirations, and challenges. Whether creating additional space within a home or developing an entire site, expert support is provided at every stage to deliver high-quality buildings that seamlessly integrate environmental responsibility with personal requirements. By incorporating energy-efficient solutions, natural materials, and innovative sustainability strategies, designs are carefully adapted to enhance comfort, wellbeing, and long-term performance.
With a strong commitment to eco-friendly design, each space is thoughtfully developed to respond to the way it will be used, ensuring it is functional, efficient, and in harmony with its surroundings. From concept to completion, a responsive and personalised service ensures that sustainable solutions align with the client’s vision, delivering buildings that are both environmentally responsible and uniquely suited to those who will use them.
Strategies & Assessments
As expert environmental consultants and certified European Passivhaus Designers, Eco Design Consultants provides tailored energy solutions that align with each project’s unique requirements. By collaborating with developers, homeowners, and housing associations across London, strategies are carefully developed to reduce fuel consumption, lower carbon emissions, and enhance energy efficiency.
A commitment to innovation ensures that every project benefits from a practical, sustainability-driven approach. Whether designing to Passivhaus standards, assessing renewable energy feasibility, or advising on retrofit strategies, expert guidance supports informed decision-making and long-term savings.
- Passivhaus design, calculations, and support
- PHPP (Passive House Planning Package) analysis
- Thermal bridging analysis and Psi value calculations
- Environmental and energy strategy statements for planning
- Whole-house efficiency plans
- Retrofit and renovation strategies
By combining technical expertise with a flexible, client-focused approach, sustainable solutions are seamlessly integrated, ensuring energy-efficient buildings that are comfortable, cost-effective, and designed for the future.
Training and Presentations
With extensive expertise in low-energy housing and Passivhaus design, Eco Design Consultants have developed a deep understanding of sustainable building practices. Over the years, we have shared our knowledge at conferences, universities, and architectural practices, reinforcing our commitment to spreading awareness and best practices in energy-efficient design.
To support this mission, we offer a range of professional services, including:
- Conference Presentations – Engaging and insightful talks tailored for industry events.
- Seminars – In-depth discussions on key sustainability topics.
- In-House Training – Customised learning sessions for teams and organisations.
- Toolbox Talks/Training – Practical, hands-on guidance for construction professionals.
- Project Support – Expert consultancy to ensure the success of low-energy building projects.
Local planning Documents for London
The London Plan 2021 was adopted in March 2021. It is a strategic document that shapes the city’s future with the aim of supporting people, the economy, and the environment. The document sets out policies against which all planning applications are assessed. This includes minimum space standards and the need for outdoor spaces for new dwellings. All applications including for householder extension or alterations need to include a fire Safety Statement, under Policy D12(A) including fire reduction measures and means of escape.
Each boroughs in London have their own Local Plans, which supplement the London Plan. These plans provide a more detailed framework to guide development and manage changes at a borough level. For example, the Westminster City Plan and the Tower Hamlets Local Plan outline specific policies for their respective areas.
Additionally, some areas of London have Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs), such as the Old Kent Road Area Action Plan and the City of London’s Culture Mile SPD. These documents provide further detail on the application of policies in specific locations, often including character appraisals and site-specific guidance.
All three types of documents are used by local planning authorities when assessing applications. Therefore, anyone submitting a planning application must ensure their proposals align with all relevant planning documentation.
London’s Unique Planning Considerations
As a major global city, London presents unique planning challenges and opportunities. It is a densely developed urban area, with a mix of historic and modern architecture, extensive transport networks, and protected green spaces. The city is home to many conservation areas, listed buildings, and World Heritage Sites, such as the Tower of London and the Palace of Westminster. If a development is located near such sites, additional heritage and impact assessments may be required.
London also has a network of green spaces, including Royal Parks, nature reserves, and designated Metropolitan Open Land. Developments in proximity to these areas may require ecological assessments to ensure minimal impact on biodiversity. Many species, including bats, birds, and invertebrates, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and surveys may be necessary to determine potential ecological impacts. These surveys often need to be conducted at specific times of the year when species are active.
Air quality and environmental sustainability are key planning considerations in London. The city has established Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) to combat pollution. As part of London’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions, new developments must adhere to strict energy efficiency standards. The London Plan encourages sustainable building practices, such as Passivhaus design and the use of renewable energy sources.
The Mayor of London declared a climate emergency in 2019, reinforcing the commitment to reducing emissions and enhancing climate resilience. Developers are encouraged to integrate sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), green roofs, and urban greening measures into their proposals to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Given London’s complexity and regulatory framework, early engagement with planning officers and specialists is advisable to ensure compliance with all relevant policies and to streamline the application process.
Eco Design Projects Completed in London
Hiley Road Passivhaus
Upgrading this Victorian mid-terrace house into an eco-home was an exciting challenge. The owner aimed to create a comfortable, low-energy living space. The house had solid brick walls, leaky windows, and persistent draughts. It was cold, uncomfortable, and had mould growth in some areas. Instead of small improvements, the owner chose to upgrade to the Passivhaus standard.
The design had to overcome several challenges. The house’s west-facing orientation couldn’t be changed. The windows had to maintain the street scene. The original foundations weren’t built for thermal bridge-free detailing. Despite these obstacles, smart design solutions ensured an efficient retrofit.
Now, the house is certified as a Passivhaus. It is warm, draught-free, and free of mould. Energy efficiency has improved dramatically. The project was featured at the 2016 International Passivhaus Conference as a model for retrofitting period homes.
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Working Drawings in London
A Fully Integrated Sustainable Working Drawing Package
We understand that precise detailing is essential to the success of any project—especially when it comes to highly sustainable developments. That’s why we offer a comprehensive service that seamlessly integrates our extensive experience in architectural design, detailing, and environmental assessment.
Our expert-led approach ensures:
- Reliability, Accuracy & Cost-Effectiveness – Delivering high-quality solutions that align with your budget and project goals.
- Exceptional Airtightness – Achieving industry-leading standards for energy efficiency.
- Optimised ‘U’ Values – Enhancing thermal performance to reduce energy demand.
- Passivhaus Expertise – Benefitting from years of experience in Passivhaus detailing and design.
- Reduced Cold Bridging – Minimising heat loss for a more efficient building envelope.
- Smart Use of Renewable Technologies – Minimising reliance while fully integrating them where appropriate.
- Sustainable Material Selection – Ensuring responsible and effective material choices for long-term performance.
With our fully integrated working drawing package, you can be confident that your project will meet the highest sustainability standards while maintaining cost efficiency and design excellence.
Working Drawings
Cold Bridge Elimination
As part of our comprehensive working drawing package, we provide cutting-edge 2D computer analysis to identify and eliminate cold bridging weak points. Using advanced software, we pinpoint areas of heat loss, allowing for precise corrections that optimise energy performance. This process also calculates Ψ (psi) values, leading to improved results in both PHPP (Passivhaus Planning Package) and SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure).
By integrating our cold bridge analysis, your project will:
- Reduce Construction Costs – Optimising materials and minimising waste.
- Enhance Energy Efficiency – Improving SAP and PHPP ratings for superior performance.
- Prevent Condensation Risks – Ensuring a healthy and durable building fabric.
- Ensure Buildability – Providing practical, well-executed detailing.
- Lower CO₂ Emissions & Fuel Bills – Delivering long-term financial and environmental benefits.
- Increase Comfort – Creating a warmer, healthier living environment for occupants.Increases comfort for the owner / tenant
Did you know? On highly efficient buildings, poorly designed joints between elements can double heat loss.
“We found eco design consultants work on the cold bridging invaluable, they were able to reduce the cold bridging considerably on our refurbishment project. It did not make the details any thicker and on one of the details they improved the efficiency of the house by 15% just by changing detailing and material specification.”
Gil Schalom, Gil Schalom Design
Supporting Developers
Airtightness Strategies in London
Airtightness plays a crucial role in building performance, particularly when working to Passivhaus standards. Excessive air leakage not only increases energy consumption but also creates draughts, reducing overall comfort. Addressing these issues through a carefully planned strategy ensures a more energy-efficient and comfortable indoor environment.
Strategy Report for Airtightness
A bespoke airtightness strategy report can be developed to guide both the design and construction teams. This report serves as a valuable resource for on-site induction, outlining the importance of airtightness in a practical and accessible way. Clear diagrams, reference images, and detailed explanations of airtightness products, such as specialist tapes, ensure that teams have the necessary knowledge to implement effective solutions. To provide hands-on learning, practical workshops can also be arranged.
We can provide detailed drawings detailed drawings can be supplied, highlighting critical junctions where airtightness must be maintained. . Key areas may include: (this list is not exhaustive)
- Windows
- Doors
- Junction between the ground floor and wall
- First floor junction
- Service penetrations
- Loft hatch
- Roof & eaves
Every project is approached with attention to its unique requirements, ensuring airtightness solutions that enhance energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term building performance.
Supporting Developers
Energy Strategies in London
All buildings are different and vary depending on location, orientation, occupancy, use, heating systems and appliances. Therefore energy strategies to reduce energy usage will also vary. We can help individual homeowners, developers, housing associations, designers and architects with energy reduction solutions to meet the demands and constraints of their development.
For Individual Homeowners
Whether you are looking to build your own home, refurbish your existing home or just want to reduce your energy bills, we can help you find an appropriate solution. We have experience of reducing a home’s total CO2 emissions by over 80% and we can assist you in reducing your home’s carbon footprint and future fuel bills, offering you fuel security in the future. We will produce a written report looking at the potential of different scenarios such as thickness and location of insulation, changes to the internal layout, renewables and MVHR. The report will then allow you to make an informed decision, and show potential combinations to reach targets such as Passivhaus, or AECB building standard.
Energy Strategies
For Developers, Housing Associations, Designers and Architects
Many local authorities and some clients now require energy and carbon dioxide to be reduced using Low or Zero Carbon Technologies (LZCs). We can assist you in selecting a suitable solution and provide appropriate reports as required. Our reports will look at the potential advantages and disadvantages of renewable technologies in relation to the particular development and consider the budget, long term maintenance costs and effectiveness of each technology over a 60 year period. At the same time, we will ensure full integration and that the design is not compromised.
Our full range of energy strategy services:-
- New Build and Retrofit Strategy Reports
- Independent help in choosing the appropriate renewable energy for your project
- Low or Zero Carbon Energy assessment and options appraisal
- Energy strategies for GLA and Local Authorities’ requirements
- Sustainability statements for planning
Working with Developers & Contractors across London
As the benefits of low carbon, energy efficient homes are becoming increasingly understood demand for Passivhaus buildings is increasingly making the financial argument more and more compelling. If you would like support to achieve the gold standard in energy efficient design or improving the thermal performance of existing stock we can help.
All large planning schemes require a sustainability and energy statement, we can assist you in providing this. We can develop strategies that not only meet local authorities’ requirements but can provide marketing advantages, as green, sustainable, energy efficient and healthy homes. Why not consider the AECB Standard. Combine our environmental input with our Architectural service, and you have a joined up package.
Support we offer:
- Architectural Design & Detailing
- Passivhaus Design & PHPP Calculation
- AECB certification
- Environmental Strategies
- Low and Zero Carbon Technology Feasibility Reports
- Daylighting Calculations
- Environmental Statements for Planning
- Home User Guides
- Toolbox Talks
Sustainable Interior Architects in London
Every home is unique, shaped by its location, orientation, occupancy, and the lifestyle of those who live within it. Equally important is the way in which interior spaces are designed to enhance comfort, wellbeing, and sustainability. At Eco Design Consultants, a commitment to creating tailored, energy-efficient interiors informs every project. By drawing on Passivhaus principles and biophilic design, sustainable solutions are developed to meet the specific needs of each household.
Through a combination of architectural expertise and environmental awareness, home interiors are designed to optimise comfort, functionality, and a sense of harmony with nature. Careful consideration is given to thermal performance, natural light, and the use of low-VOC materials, ensuring a healthier living environment.
By taking the time to understand individual needs and aspirations, designs are created that not only enhance daily life but also contribute to long-term energy savings. A well-designed home can provide both financial and environmental benefits, offering improved indoor air quality, reduced heating costs, and a more comfortable space for everyday living.
