news
The following are a selection of useful extracts from publications as well as the latest news from ClearDesigns.

 

cleardesigns are pleased to announce that they are in collaboration with Durisol Uk to be their recommended architects to cover the Essex, Hertfordshire and East London jurisdiction.

Durisol is an insulated concrete form. The forms are interlocking modular units that are dry-stacked (without mortar) and filled with concrete. The forms stack together in a similar way to kids building bricks and serve to create a form for the structural walls or floors of a building.

There are many benefits of using Durisol as a modern method of construction, firstly it is made from 80% recycled wood and requires little energy to produce, the cost of using Durisol is lower than traditional masonry construction and can be up to 3 times faster to construct walls or floors. It can achieve u values as low as 0.19w/m2k which over achieve current Building Regulations in addition to this, the blocks are lightweight thus reducing the transportation loads required.

cleardesigns have specified Durisol on 3 current live projects, all of which are refurbishments of current properties with large and innovative extensions. We as a practice are very excited by this product and firmly believe that this is one of many systems for the future of building. The days of the old fashioned brick and block are numbered in our opinion, as we strive to reduce carbon emissions, such green techniques will be become evermore a ‘standard’ way of construction. We as a practice embrace green construction and technologies and welcome such a product to the UK construction industry.

For further information on Durisol:-
www.durisol.net
0800 434 6458
enquiries@durisol.net

 

ClearDesigns is taking part in Architect in the House, a fundraising initiative between the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Shelter the housing and homeless charity.

the scheme offers people the chance to receive an hour long consultation on home or design related queries and in return for the service provided, homeowners are asked to donate a minimum of £40 to support Shelters work with people in housing need.

 

Tips from Channel 4’s Grand Designs on how to approach selecting an architect, “An architect’s training is comparable in length and depth to that undergone by a surgeon … no one explains the vocabulary.  Why should anyone outside the profession know what ‘working drawings’ are?”

http://www.channel4.com/4homes/diyandbuilding/guides/grand_designers.html