The key detail

It’s harder to specify materials for projects today than ever before. There are more elements to think about, including sustainability. As a result, you need to take the time to consider exactly what you will use.

While there are more details to look at, the aesthetics are still the most important detail for bricks in 2026. The colour is the number one consideration. Other than that, things like texture and size are significant.

It isn’t just a simple case of specifying a brick colour you like here though. You need to think about the big picture. Crucially, always consider the context; how will the bricks work with the surroundings and how do they establish the identity of the building? Do they meet planning expectations such as preserving the character of the area? If you’re thinking about residential architecture in London, speak to us.

If you do plan on specifying bricks, you absolutely should order samples and see how they look in real world conditions. Consider the lighting and how it plays with them. In addition, keep in mind that there can be subtle differences in the colour and texture between batches. Make sure you plan for them or you could have issues with the aesthetics.

Sustainability

As we said, sustainability is a very important factor today. It can have an impact on what type of bricks you should specify for projects.

There are three vital factors to look at. Firstly is the durability. Choose durable bricks that offer a long lifespan and require very little maintenance. Second, always ask about the embodied carbon and focus on low-carbon materials. Finally, consider the end of life, including reusability and recyclability. Always check the data and sustainability metrics.

Do you need help with residential architecture in London?

If you’re looking to design your dream high end home, it’s a really good idea to have a look at different types of bricks. They can have a massive impact on the aesthetics, performance, sustainability, and more. In fact, the wrong choice can even lead to issues with planning permission, especially if they don’t sit well in the context of the area.

Coffey Residential is a fantastic company to work with here. We can explore different materials in detail, including various types of brick. Most significantly, we can carefully consider light, colour, texture, and any other vital details. We’ll find the perfect materials for each project.

So, contact us and let’s create amazing residential architecture in London.

The post How to specify bricks for projects in 2026? appeared first on Coffey Architects.

History

Rio de Janeiro was the first World Capital of Architecture in 2020, celebrating how the Brazilian city promotes safety, resilience, and sustainability. Copenhagen was the second city to take the crown in 2023, showcasing how architecture and culture have the power to respond to environmental challenges and other problems.

Barcelona is the 2026 World Capital of Architecture. Again the focus is on showcasing how cities can respond to challenges and ensure they maximise public good for current and future residents. This takes us to the recent announcement that Beijing will take the title in 2029.

Celebrating Beijing

As top architects in London, we know first hand how architecture can have a positive impact on cities. It can allow regeneration, improve liveability, and more. Beijing also showcases this and is deserving of the recognition from UIA and UNESCO.

Speaking about the decision to give Beijing the title, UNESCO’s Director-General Khaled El-Enany gave praise to the city’s “extraordinary architectural heritage, dynamic urban transformation, and forward-looking vision”. Crucially, the city showcases the power of architecture and its ability to preserve rich heritage.

Beijing is special because preserving history and planning for the future are both equally important. You can see this in the work to retain rich heritage buildings while also supporting innovative regeneration projects. It’s something other cities should consider. Rely on us if you want to work with top architects in London.

Prior to the 2029 World Congress, Beijing will host a year of events to look at architecture and urbanism. The theme this time is “Back to Balance”. The focus will be on exploring how to create synergy with culture, nature, and people in an urban environment. It’ll also look at how to ensure inclusion and sustainability.

Benefits

Holding the title of UIA-UNESCO World Capital of Architecture and hosting the World Congress provides many rewards for the host cities. Significantly, it puts the eyes of the whole world on the city, showcasing the architecture, planning policy, and other key details. Plus, the year of events can provide significant economic benefits.

One of the most important advantages though is the value to communities and local people. It drives engagement and boosts civic pride. Ultimately, being the World Capital of Architecture can inspire younger generations and show the value of preserving heritage.

Discuss any plans with supportive architects in London

There is a lot to think about if you’re planning projects in urban areas. For example, there can be very strict requirements to protect heritage assets and maximise benefits for local people. At the same time, it is vital to consider challenges like the climate and resources.

If you need some help, you can rely on Coffey Architects. We’re based in London, so we know about working in massive cities. We’ll look at every angle with you, considering your brief and goals as well as the bigger picture and impact on other stakeholders. So, contact us today.

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What are they?

The goal with conventional roofs is to move water away from the property as efficiently as possible. It protects the structure and contents from damage. A blue roof is different. It actually works to retain the water in a void. The discharge rate can then be managed effectively.

Blue roofs can offer a number of benefits. Most importantly, is the ability to control the discharge of water. It can reduce the risk of urban flooding, especially during periods of intense rain. The water management and controlled release reduces pressure on the drainage infrastructure, also reducing the risk of damage.

Additionally, blue roofs are great for sustainability. They can reduce cooling costs and energy bills. Plus, collecting water means it can be used for different applications, reducing the demand for fresh water. If you have green roofs or living walls, it can add value. Talk to us if you want to work with a top architect in London to create effective, climate-resilient roofing designs.

Things to think about

One thing to consider is roofs have more complex requirements today than ever before. You may need to effectively combine different features, including retention and storage (blue roofs), vegetation (green roofs), and energy (solar panels). You must do this without compromising the waterproofing.

The best thing to do is think about the roof as early as possible when you’re designing a property. Look at the different elements you want to include. Critically, consider the location of outlets, structural integrity (especially the loading), and maintenance. The choice of outlet and flow control systems is important too.

Ultimately, if you are thinking about blue roofs, make sure you consider the architectural and service constraints. What type of system can the building accommodate? Will there be obstacles for maintenance? Getting it right at the design phase provides big benefits, including reducing the risk of issues and costly redesign.

Create resilient buildings with a top architect in London

Flooding can be devastating in dense urban areas. It can destroy homes, businesses, and key infrastructure. The cost of clean-up and repairs can be huge. So, it is important to take steps to reduce the risk, especially when there is intense rain. Things like blue roofs can be really smart investments.

If you’re thinking about a project, including new builds, renovations, or even a change of use, you can rely on Coffey Architects. We’re a passionate team with a fantastic ethos; create wonderful places and connect people with the environment. So, contact us if you want to work with an award winning architect in London. We can design buildings able to thrive in the city.

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Refurbishments and retrofitting

One of the main reasons cladding is so trendy is the fact there is more focus on improving homes in the UK. The long term forecast is the refurb and retrofit market will continue to grow in the years ahead. This is driven by factors such as the age of the housing stock, the push to improve sustainability, and the cost of moving. Plus, there is more support than ever for improving existing properties rather than demolishing them.

Cladding works incredibly well if you want to improve the aesthetics of a property. You can use it to effectively dress up external and internal surfaces. It can add colour, texture, and style to all kinds of homes and housing. Crucially, it can be a very cost effective, low maintenance option.

Sustainability

Another reason cladding is popular for residential architecture in London and many other locations is it can offer great green credentials. For one thing, it means we can retain more buildings. Additionally, it can provide more insulation to improve thermal performance. Beyond that, you can choose natural products that generate less waste and use fewer resources. There are options that are recyclable or reusable too.

Climate

While the weather is always a popular topic in Britain, it has been more notable than ever this year. We’ve had a dry, hot summer so far. There have been heatwaves, wildfires, and droughts. In fact, it reaffirmed the fact that buildings in the UK are poorly equipped to handle it.

More and more people are considering cladding as a way to make buildings resilient to climate change. It can be an effective option, providing insulation against external heat. Things like exterior living walls are especially good. As a result, they are likely to be a major trend over the next few years.

Thinking about residential architecture in London?

London is one of the best destinations in the UK if you love architecture. You can find a massive array of styles here, from historic landmarks to innovative new builds. However, it’s also a city with a unique climate. Due to the urban heat island, parts of the city can be 5-10 degrees Celsius hotter. This puts more pressure on buildings, including homes.

If you’re looking to create the perfect home, it’s vital to think about the climate at different times of the year. Additionally, make sure you look at trends. This way you can ensure you design with resilience in mind.

We can help you with any project for residential architecture in London, including new builds, refurbs, and more. So, speak to us about your plans.

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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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