Acoustics

Firstly, using insulation can have a positive impact on acoustics in a property. This is important to think about as noise can be really disruptive in homes, offices, and much more. There are even regulations to consider, including the transmission of noise between different dwellings.

Insulation can reduce noise in different ways. Crucially, it can absorb soundwaves and dampen vibrations. Additionally, denser materials don’t vibrate very easily. Ultimately, you can reduce airborne and impact noise in a property. It can prevent sounds from reflecting back into rooms or passing through surfaces into neighbouring rooms and properties. Good insulation on exterior walls also keeps out more external noise.

Fire resistance

Fire safety is a key topic for all kinds of properties. Critically, insulation can have a big impact here. In the best cases it can restrict the development and spread of fire. Therefore, you can utilise it as part of compartmentation systems. Speak to us if you need help from reliable architects in London.

When specifying insulation, you should think about how it can help to improve fire resistance. Choose materials that are non-combustible and won’t generate smoke or other toxic gases. Make sure you look at the fire ratings and how each material reacts.

Moisture

Managing moisture in buildings is also really important. If it is excessive and can’t dry effectively, it can lead to problems like mould and degrade materials. In the worst cases it can have a serious impact on health and wellbeing, even causing life threatening respiratory problems.

Insulation can have a surprising impact on moisture. Firstly, it can affect the dew point, reducing condensation. Some materials are moisture repellent and non-hygroscopic, ensuring they don’t allow it to penetrate the material or absorb it from the environment. It can help prevent issues and ensure better performance. Discuss your plans with creative architects in London.

Sustainability

Insulation has a big impact on how sustainable buildings are, especially in terms of the thermal performance and energy bills. This isn’t the only thing to think about though. You have to consider end of life and what will happen to the materials.

A key thing to look at is circularity. Can you choose insulation that is reusable or recyclable? It will reduce the carbon footprint of the property and help achieve sustainability goals.

Consider every angle with leading architects in London

As you can see, it isn’t a simple case of selecting any old insulation for a property. You need to think about a variety of performance requirements, including thermal, acoustics, fire, moisture, and sustainability. You need to look at the capabilities of each material before you decide what to use.

If you need any help at all, you can rely on us. We’ve built a reputation as outstanding, award winning architects in London. So, get in touch today and let’s have a chat.

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Trends

Interestingly, there have been several periods when wallpaper was the big thing. It had its first major peak in the Victorian era as it became more affordable and accessible. Suddenly people could choose fantastic patterns for their homes, with thousands of different options. Some very famous names became synonymous with designing wallpaper during this period, including Arts and Crafts master William Morris.

We saw a second peak in the popularity of wallpaper in the 20s and 30s. Notably, this is when it became common for people to choose products taking inspiration from pop culture and modern art. Bright colours and bold patterns were in. It took a big step forward in the 60s too with the involvement of fashion icons like Vivienne Westwood.

Wallpaper began to fall out of fashion because of the rise of minimalism in the 90s. The colours, patterns, and textures were at odds with the new focus on simple, clean surfaces and soft colours. Many people had also grown fed up with the drawbacks of wallpaper, including the challenges to hang and remove it plus issues with durability. Instead, it became popular to paint walls. Speak to us if you need help from a dynamic architect in London.

Revival

While minimalism became very popular, it was also its own downfall. The main problem is suddenly homes all began to look very similar. Many were lacking personality and character. In fact, it became very common to see ‘Millennial grey’ everywhere. As a result, people got a new appreciation for the value of patterns, texture, and colour. It can enhance spaces, making them feel more personal, warmer, and comfortable.

Additionally, it’s important to note that modern wallpaper is much higher quality. It tackles many of the major issues people had with it, including the durability. Notably, you can choose products today with higher resistance to moisture, dirt, and wear and tear. Plus, it’s generally easier to hang and remove, especially if you choose peel and stick wallpaper.

The best thing about the wallpaper revival is it changes how people relate to their homes. There is more freedom for self-expression and it can make rooms more immersive. Even things like combining different patterns and layering is an option to make homes distinct. There is more flexibility too; people can decorate walls in all kinds of spaces and easily make changes when they want to.

Design the perfect home for you with a leading architect in London

Coffey Architects understands that homes need to feel like home. They should be spaces where we can be ourselves and enjoy the things we love. The right designs achieve just that. We’d love to help you create them.

So, get in touch today and work with us. We can design incredible homes for any setting, including tricky sites in urban and rural locations. Working with us, you’ll have a top architect in London to help you with everything. This includes design choices, planning, and more.

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Maturation

To answer the title of this article, the co-living market is definitely maturing. It’s notable that this year is the tenth anniversary of one of the first developments in the UK (The Collective on Old Oak Lane in West London). Since then, it’s grown and grown. There are now thousands of units in developments in various parts of the UK. Additionally, there’s more in the pipeline. What we’re seeing is similar to how the build to rent market matured.

It’s also interesting that investors are on-board with co-living developments. According to a report by Investec Bank (Future Living 4 from November 2025), it is the third strongest segment according to investors. It is only behind later living and PBSA (purpose-built student accommodation). It’s likely there will be more investments in these kinds of projects in the next few years.

Why is it popular?

We’re really interested in all forms of residential architecture in London, from different types of houses to apartments and more. Co-living developments can be really impressive, offering lovely designs and great spaces.

One of the main reasons co-living developments are growing in popularity is they fill a significant gap in the market. Many people initially move out to attend university. As a result, they generally spend at least a year in PBSA buildings. After this they may remain in a similar type of accommodation or rent with university friends. After graduation though, some face having to move back in with parents because of issues like affordability. Cost effective co-living units in great locations are a very attractive alternative. They also appeal to older people too.

In a basic sense, co-living is a more mature version of PBSA. It has the same core principle, with residents sharing kitchens, lounges, and other amenities. This appeals to many people, especially those who want to live alone without suffering isolation. It can create great communities with diverse demographics. Speak to us about residential architecture in London.

Great designs go a very long way to making co-living properties a fantastic place to live. They also have an impact on prices; there is an opportunity to target different prices points by considering the materials, finishes, and other factors. A common tactic is to design units as a cluster with private bedrooms (generally with en-suites) and shared space. Then there tends to be additional spaces open to residents, such as workspace, hobby rooms, gyms, gardens, and more.

It’s also a sign the co-living segment is maturing that the idea is spreading. As we said, the first development was in West London. There are now buildings in numerous major cities, including Birmingham and Manchester. In fact, they are a viable option wherever there are universities, major job markets, and areas where private rental prices are unaffordable.

Discuss residential architecture in London with us

If you’re looking to design your dream high end home or other types of housing, you can rely on us. We’re a top team, with a real passion for homes. We have our own dedicated brand for it, Coffey Residential. So, get in touch today.

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Inside and out

Firstly, remember it is important to look at both kinds of views; the ones inside the building and those looking out. Connection is important, avoiding the issues that can occur if spaces feel too isolated. Try to minimise anything that will limit visibility.

Lighting

If you want clean views, it’s essential you ensure people will be able to see in the first place. What you need to avoid is creating dark, poorly lit rooms. Light is an important asset. So, make sure you design to get as much natural daylight into spaces as possible. It will improve visual comfort and also provide other benefits, such as improving energy efficiency.

There are some key things to look at here, including effective use of windows, skylights, and other openings. This invites more natural light into the building. At the same time, you need to make sure the light can easily filter through spaces. Consider things like glass partition walls and handrails. Decide your dream design with help from creative architects in London.

Open plans

Another key thing you can do is actually remove various barriers to improve views. Do you really need all of those walls to separate space? Are there better options for movable partitions? Open plan spaces are exceptional in many properties, including homes and offices.

Wider connections

It’s wonderful to be able to look out of a property and enjoy wider views beyond it. That is especially true if there are lovely things to look at, such as green or blue space, natural features, and landmarks.

The orientation of the building is crucial. If the site has lovely views, the goal should be to make sure people can enjoy them. So, don’t put solid walls where you could have a glass facade or windows. Additionally, think about where you could have balconies and terraces. Plus, make sure any landscaping won’t be a barrier to the views, including trees and hedges. Talk to us about working with fantastic architects in London.

A really great thing you can do is connect internal and external spaces. It will make it easier to expand views so they reach beyond the walls of the building. Things like bi-fold doors and continuous flooring materials are a wonderful choice. Plus, you can create usable outdoor space that is a natural extension of the interior.

Clutter

It isn’t just walls and greenery that can obstruct views; everything within the building will have an impact. Therefore, you need to think about your choice of furniture and placement. Plus, consider all the little bits of visual clutter. Integrated and concealed storage is great. Ideally keep designs sleek, streamline, and orderly.

Working with exceptional architects in London

Never underestimate the value of great views. They can do a lot for properties and occupants. While delivering them, you can also improve the functionality and sustainability of the entire building.

If you’re considering a project, we’d love to help. Coffey Architects is an award winning team with incredible resources. We know how valuable the different elements are, including light, space, and architectural features. Therefore, we’ll create designs that make them all come together cohesively to produce outstanding spaces.

So, get in touch and partner with top architects in London. Plus, you can learn more about our work and see our passion for design on our website.

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Housing quality

Several different studies give a worrying insight into the quality of housing in the UK. For example, BRE says around 10% of homes are poor quality. That is almost 3 million properties! Living in accommodation with serious issues could lead to various health problems.

Data from the English Housing Survey from 23/24 finds that 5% of homes have problems with damp and mould. Additionally, 13% of properties are hard to keep warm. Overheating is a massive topic at the moment too, especially with recent heatwaves. The fear is as many as 50% of homes currently struggle when temperatures rise.

What to do?

There are a number of critical things to consider if you want to create quality homes that promote good health. This includes lighting, ventilation, acoustics, accessibility, air quality, thermal comfort, and nature. We’d love to help, giving you the insights of a top architect in London, recommendations, and much more.

A few details are an absolute must with homes. It goes without saying that there should not be any hazards that would cause health issues. Plus, the services should be up to standard, especially electrics. They should also be as easy as possible to maintain.

More specifically, there are three elements to focus on because of the impact on health and wellbeing; air quality, thermal comfort, and moisture levels.

Air

We all know how important air quality is. That’s why there are laws in place for businesses, road vehicles, and other pollution sources. It’s just as critical in homes. If you’re breathing bad air every day at home, your health can decline. Work with a top architect in London to ensure your property will have clean, fresh air.

There are some key things to think about here. Effective ventilation is the most important, ensuring homes won’t have stale, stagnant air. It plays a key role in getting rid of moisture and contaminants. Plus, it helps prevent overheating too. On top of that, you need to limit sources of organic volatile compounds (VOCs) and ensure the ventilation removes them efficiently.

Thermal comfort

Homes can have a big impact on health if they get excessively cold or overheat. You need to consider how you can ensure properties will be a comfortable temperature at different points of the year. There are vital details to consider, such as insulation, shading, choice of glazing, and ventilation. It can be a tough task, considering what you need to do to tackle cold and excess heat. Speak to us and work with a top architect in London to tackle it.

Moisture

Damp and mould have a massive impact on health. In fact, there is UK legislation now (Awaab’s law) for social landlords. It was introduced after the tragic death of two year old Awaab Ishak due to severe respiratory disease caused by exposure to toxic mould at home. This puts into focus how important it is to address moisture in properties.

It’s essential to limit ingress, address condensation, and tackle sources of moisture such as cooking and bathing to prevent damp and mould. Again a big thing to look at is ventilation. Plus, it is vital to minimise cold surfaces and prevent thermal bridging in key locations, especially around windows.

Design homes to promote good health with a leading architect in London

Coffey Architects can help if you want to create a wonderful home. We look at the different things that ensure it promotes good health, such as the lighting, air quality, noise, and level of comfort. So, get in touch today and tell us your ideas.

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Massive increase

You’d expect the number of empty homes in London to be low when demand is high and there are problems with homelessness and households living in temporary accommodation. However, a recent analysis by the London Assembly’s researchers found that is not the case. In fact, the number has been increasing for the last decade.

The headline finding from the report is London had 105,138 vacant homes last year. That was a massive 81% increase on the total from 2016 (58,096). Even more alarming, it is a reversal of the previous good work. From 2004 to 2014 the number actually fell from 86,733 to 56,715.

Worryingly, the number of long term vacant homes has grown massively. These are properties that have been empty for more than 6 months. Some have not had occupants for decades. In 2016 there were 19,845 of these properties in London. Today, there are over 47,000, an increase of 138%.

Need to improve

There are loud calls now to bring more of these properties back into use. Some would be ready for occupants within a matter of weeks or months. Others would require more extensive repairs and retrofitting. We can help revive any type of residential architecture in London.

In addition, there are calls to ensure we are building the right kind of homes in London. Amazingly, some of the vacant properties are new builds. A number of them are empty because they are priced too high. It simply makes them unobtainable for many buyers. Demand is highest for affordable homes, so it’s important to focus on building them.

It’s also important that councils do more to manage their housing stock effectively. Amazingly, 2% of the vacant properties (over 2,000), are council homes. It is more than any other region in the UK. Worse, it is a 66% increase in the last decade.

Bringing empty homes back into use, including upgrading them to modern standards, would be fantastic. In fact, just a fraction of them returning to the market would be more than the number of new build social housing in London.

Get advice about residential architecture in London

Coffey Residential is an exceptional company to work with. We’re award winners with a passion for creating high end homes as well as other types of housing. Most importantly, we have experience with renovation and retrofitting, upgrading older buildings to suit modern standards and lifestyle requirements.

So, if you want some help with residential architecture in London, including resurrecting homes, speak to us. We’d love the chance to work with you on projects.

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Hotting up

The evidence was already there that heatwaves will be a yearly problem in the UK. For example, we’ve had four consecutive years of high temperatures and 2025 setting a new record as the hottest year in history. In 2026 we’ve just had the hottest May ever.

June could also smash records this week, with estimates temperatures could reach 37 or 38 degrees Celsius. If that happens, thousands of schools across the UK may have to close. The conditions are simply too dangerous, especially in school buildings unable to cope with the heat. This could have an impact on the children’s education and will also have an economic impact for parents who need to take extra time off work.

Problems

School buildings are some of the most vulnerable to heat in the UK. As top architects in London, we can see the various issues. Children are also in more danger here because they physically absorb heat faster, can’t cool down as effectively, and have a higher risk of dehydration. Add to that the fact they can be in classrooms with dozens of other people, and it is even more dangerous.

The big issue is most buildings in general are not built to withstand such high temperatures. New schools from the last few years are better, but are barely able to cope. If temperatures continue to rise, they will be in trouble too. Interestingly, some older buildings are resilient too because thicker walls provide better insulation against solar gain. The most vulnerable schools are from the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries. They suffer for having thinner walls, more glazing, windows that can only open a fraction, and low ceilings.

What to do?

The scale of the issue shows how crucial it is to address it as soon as possible. But what is the best way to do it? Some recommend air conditioning, but the operating costs and impact on the environment are a concern.

The best option is likely to be a combination of different methods of passive cooling. This includes using higher performance glazing to reduce solar gain, solar shading, and mechanical ventilation. Ground source heat pumps could be fantastic, able to circulate cold water through pipes to cool properties. Plus, light colour facades and reducing the amount of hard landscaping, including paving and tarmac, could help.

Tackle problems with top architects in London

The most important takeaway from all of this is that overheating is a serious problem in the UK. To protect children and ensure they get a good education, it is vital to make sure the buildings are able to cope with the conditions. Changes are needed, and new buildings should be designed to a higher standard, ensuring they can withstand the kind of high temperatures that could become typical in summers.

Coffey Architects would love to help if you’re thinking about any kind of architecture project. We have a fantastic team, bringing together different passions, skills, and perspectives. We’ll find the best solutions for any challenges, including dealing with heat.

So, get in touch and start working with leading architects in London.

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Singapore’s approach

The Singapore government has been very active in house building since the 1930s. In fact, the majority of new homes are public housing. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) builds thousands every year to cater for demand. Crucially, the homes are subsidised, built, and managed by the government. It gives people easier access to high quality affordable homes. But, it allows the HDB to control the creation of new towns, including delivery of transport links, schools, and other amenities.

Singapore’s success with this housing policy is easy to see. In 2000 a massive 88% of the population lived in public housing. While that number was down to 80% in 2025, it is still the most common type of home in the country.

The Mayor of London’s plan

The GLA is planning to become a direct development partner, taking a leaf from Singapore’s book. The idea is to invest £100m into the Silvertown Partnership. This will facilitate development at Royal Docks, leading to the creation of 7,000 new homes (30% affordable). The aim is to create more housing and get projects moving that have stalled. Speak to us and discuss your plans with a leading architect in London.

Will it work?

The response to the announcement has divided opinion. On one hand it has the potential to be a game changer and help tackle the housing crisis. However, critics worry it won’t work.

A key thing to keep in mind here is Singapore has the conditions to make their housing model successful. The government owns the majority of the land and can control the market, addressing two of the biggest hurdles to getting projects off the ground. At the same time, they ensure consistency in terms of governance and their long term planning goals, even when a change in government occurs.

The big worry is the conditions in London are not ideal for supporting a “Singapore style” housing model. Notably, there are multiple landowners and the market is harder to control. In addition, the planning system itself is fragmented and governance isn’t as consistent.

Working with a creative architect in London

It will be interesting to see if the new strategy pays off. Crucially, the Mayor of London said they have taken Singapore’s approach but “tweaked it”. As a result, it should be more aligned to London’s conditions and the needs of locals.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is it’s very useful to work with architects if you have a project in mind. It can help you navigate the planning environment and design wonderful properties. In addition, you can explore vital topics like sustainability and how to maximise health and wellbeing.

So, if you want to work with an outstanding architect in London, speak to us. Coffey Architects designs award winning homes, office buildings, and more. Working together, we can make your ideas a reality.

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Favoured forms

One of the most important things to note is new build housing tends to favour two different models. Firstly is apartment blocks, largely with one, two, and three bedroom homes. It is a very common form, especially in busy urban areas, because it maximises the amount of housing on the site.

The second popular typology is suburban style housing estates. They are generally developments of three, four, and five bedroom semi-detached houses, often on quiet cul-de-sacs. Properties generally include outdoor space like private gardens.

While there are advantages with both of these models, there are drawbacks too. Blocks are harder and take longer to build than individual houses. At the same time, they generally lack outdoor space and have more complex building regulations and fire safety requirements. The main issue with suburban housing estates is they are often inefficient with land use. There can be issues with amenities too. Discuss the pros and cons of different forms of residential architecture in London with us.

Exploring an older form

While blocks and suburban housing estates are the two most popular forms today, that wasn’t always the case. In Victorian England a common typology was to build rows of terraces, often with properties back to back. It was an efficient way to create a large number of houses to support growing populations in urban areas.

The Victorians had some very good ideas, creating homes with efficient layouts and using space effectively. However, the back to back terrace design became unpopular because of issues with the houses. Notably they tended to have poor ventilation and lighting; some interior spaces could be dark and damp.

Time to revisit?

It’s an interesting time to consider if a modern take on the Victorian typology of back to back terrace housing would work. There is certainly potential. It could help to revolutionise residential architecture in London and other areas.

A key thing here is the basic idea of back to back terraces is great in terms of using land and interior space efficiently. It can also save costs because properties have several shared party walls. This helps to improve sustainability too. Addressing the drawbacks, including light and ventilation, could create quality new homes. Dual aspect designs and lightwells are fantastic solutions.

A big question here is would people want to live in a modern take on a Victorian terrace? It’s likely they would, especially if they are high quality, energy efficient, and affordable. They would be very attractive to first time buyers who want to get on the housing ladder but don’t want a flat. Even a loss of exterior space may not be a deal breaker, especially for younger people who don’t value it.

Ask us about forms for residential architecture in London

Coffey Residential gives you the chance to explore different types of typology for homes, housing, and more. We can look at any style of building for various locations, from busy city centre spots to rural areas. We’ll help you to achieve your goals, offering creative solutions to problems and outstanding designs.

So, get in touch and tell us what you have in mind for residential architecture in London or any other area. You can also browse our projects and learn more about our team on our website.

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A dead trend

For several years there has been a lot of speculation about minimalism being a dead trend. From its heady heights as the go-to design for homes, offices, transport hubs, and urban landscapes, it had a bit of a decline. Instead, it became popular to be more expressive and showcase more personality.

Rather than disappearing into the mists of time though, minimalism has had an evolution. A refinement means it still sticks to the core principles, but with more flexibility and intent. The idea that “less is more” persists, however it does not mean you have to be sparse and get rid of everything. Choose the things you love the most and make them the focus, avoiding clutter and excessive stimuli.

Urban areas

Minimalism is more important than ever in busy urban settings in 2026. These are the locations where over-stimulation is the biggest problem. They are generally noisy, bright, and full of advertising. It can lead to issues, such as the physical harm people experience, problems with navigation, and in some cases it even affects the functionality of spaces. A minimalist design can be a big help, especially if you work with experts like the top architects in London we have on our team.

How can minimalism help? There are lots of potential benefits for urban areas. For example, it can simplify them, addressing stimulation, confusion, and other problems. This can have a big impact on health and wellbeing. It can ensure they focus on functionality. Even better, it can make them more sustainable by reducing resource use/waste and increasing the lifespan of spaces.

Saving space, and maximising what is available, is really important in urban settings. A minimalist approach is ideal. It can make spaces feel bigger, even when they aren’t. If you use light and materials effectively, the impact is incredible.

Finally, it’s worth remembering that a minimalist design is the perfect backdrop. It can make things stand out, including every flash of colour, art, furniture, plants, and more. This can actually help to celebrate the culture and character of an area. It achieves this while also ensuring spaces are calmer and less stressful.

Designing with leading architects in London

As you can see, the ideas of minimalism don’t just endure today, they are more important than ever before in various circumstances. It is the ideal foil for over-stimulation, giving people an important reprieve. Whether you want to design open space for urban areas, homes, public buildings, or any other spaces, it’s worth considering “less is more”.

If you want some help, you can rely on Coffey Architects. We create exceptional, human-centred places. We’ll ensure the things that matter the most stand out. At the same time, we will achieve the best results in terms of sustainability, openness, flexibility, and longevity.

So, contact us today and work with outstanding, award winning architects in London. You can rely on us for minimalism or any other style; we can even support you in blending elements to create something uniquely yours.

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