RDA Architects

Deep retrofit. Real lessons.

On 17 March (1–2pm) Richard will be presenting The Old Timberyard as part of the Retrofit Case Study Webinar series.

This EnerPHit conversion of a Victorian following Guy Martin’s House Without Bills on Channel 4 and reflects on what delivering deep retrofit in an existing building really involves.

We’ll be sharing the practical realities:
• sequencing
• constraints
• unexpected challenges
• lessons learned

The project demonstrates how a fabric-first, performance-led approach can balance conservation, comfort and long-term performance.

As retrofit moves into the mainstream, open conversations and shared experience are essential.
The session is free and open to all.

Book via the link in bio

It would be great to see you there.

FabricFirst PassivhausTrust LowCarbonDesign AdaptiveReuse

Flat-pack homes for future cities.
Brownfield land offers an opportunity to rethink how we build transforming forgotten corners of our cities into sustainable, affordable homes.

By using modern methods of construction, such as flat-pack modular systems, we can deliver housing that’s faster to build, cleaner to construct, and higher-performing for decades to come.

Our approach isn’t new it’s proven. Over twenty years ago, our Evas House turned a derelict South East London scrapyard into a compact, low-energy family home. Built on a 6.6 × 6 m plot with contaminated soil, a rear substation, and only one viable aspect, it demonstrated how intelligent, prefabricated design can unlock even the trickiest city sites.

Using TECHAUS structural insulated panels one of the first uses in the UK the home was assembled rapidly with airtightness, natural ventilation, and ultra-low energy demand at its core. Two decades later, it still performs exceptionally well.

This is the future of sustainable housing: modular, adaptable, and regenerative multiplying good design across brownfield sites in cities everywhere.

We’re proud to be finalists in the : Buildings That Stand the Test of Time Awards 2025.

Sustainability is at the heart of our focus for 2025, and the Pitched Passivhaus is a shining example!

Scroll through to see the transformation, including before-and-after images and detailed drawings.

This remarkable transformation tells the story of innovation and responsibility. Originally a 1930s house riddled with structural issues and inefficient extensions, we rebuilt with sustainability in mind. Using recycled timber, we preserved embodied energy and drastically minimized the carbon footprint. The result? A stunning home that blends traditional charm with modern luxury—fully certified by Passivhaus.

What makes this home so smart?
-High-performance insulation for ultimate efficiency.
-Triple-glazed windows to retain heat.
-Solar tiles that power the home and feed energy back to the grid.
-Airtight construction for precise temperature control.
-Fresh, filtered air with the MVHR system.
-Sustainable heating powered by an air source heat pump.
-Newly insulated roofing & wood-blown insulation for maximum thermal efficiency.

Together, these features create a home that’s energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and awaiting Passivhaus Low Energy certification 🌿

Why choose sustainability?
-Protect the planet for future generations.
-Save money with lower energy bills.
-Enjoy smarter, more comfortable living spaces.
-Make a positive impact on your community.

Sustainability isn’t about sacrifice—it’s about thriving with purpose. Let’s create a future where innovation and nature work together

Structural engineer:
Environmental/M&E engineers: Ecospheric
CLT consultant:
Landscape: Barbara Samitier

We love seeing projects come to life—from extensive site studies to drawings, models, and real-world buildings.
This project marks our first in-house RDA Design & Build construction endeavour. A surveying nail, used to mark precise locations on the ground or other surfaces, plays a critical role in construction and land surveying—the essential first step before building begins.

Artist’s Courtyard transforms a small brownfield site with exceptional environmental credentials. Designed to Passivhaus standards, it reduces living costs by approximately 95%. Traditional active heating systems are replaced with thicker, efficient insulation and sustainable construction, requiring only a one-time cost. It retains warmth in winter and promotes airflow for cool spaces in summer.
Focusing on air quality ensures a comfortable internal environment, positively impacting the health and well-being of occupants. The design reflects the industrial warehouses it replaces, featuring bold forms, brickwork, and perforated Corten steel.