The design of properties can have a positive or negative impact on the emotional and psychological wellbeing of the people that see and spend time in them. An interesting new study is looking at measuring the contemplative effects that looking at buildings can have on people, using modern fMRI to gauge responses. The aim of the research is to determine what positive benefits can be achieved and give planners information they can use for their future designs. Continue reading →

Oaks Prague is set to be one of the most innovative residential developments in the whole world. The 400 million Euro project will see 220 homes built on a 140 hectare site located 20km to the South-East of the capital city. It will showcase the best in European design thanks to the fact that ten different companies will be contributing designs to the project, seven from the UK and three from the Czech Republic. Architects from each company are set to work alongside Edward Durell Stone Jr and Associates and John Thompson & Partners (the designers of leisure facilities for the site and developer of the style guide respectively). Continue reading →

History teaches us that gardens established a real presence in British culture during the Middle Ages. With the passage of time, the garden developed more importance, and today the English modern garden plays a huge part in the way we occupy our properties. Despite the fact that the UK weather is not always as generous as we would like, our gardens play host to many traditions throughout the spring and summer seasons and we are seeing an increasing demand in the desire for garden rooms among UK residents. Continue reading →