Arbor Architects

11/06/2026

"Always listening to and hearing us, providing timely pragmatic options and solutions, they were great to work with and the 'final design' more than met our brief." Simon and Andrew - Hawksfield House

We believe that well-crafted spaces are only possible when we collaborate openly. Our design process relies heavily on hand sketches, physical models, and 3D visualisations to ensure our clients are active participants at every RIBA stage.
Whether you are navigating Herefordshire planning policies or planning a self-build, we guide your project from the initial concept to construction management.

📸 The Modern House

https://themodernhouse.com/sales-list/hawksfield

09/06/2026

What does it mean to be a certified Passivhaus Designer?

Passivhaus is the world’s leading standard for comfort and energy efficiency. It’s grounded in a rigorous, science-led approach to design - focusing on airtight construction, high-performance building fabric, and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems.

We’re fortunate to have Michelle on our team, a certified Passivhaus Designer who has completed an intensive training programme and successfully passed a demanding exam. This means we have the knowledge and expertise in-house to design to these exacting standards.

We adopt this approach as a baseline from the very beginning of every project - whether we are pursuing formal certification or not. The result is consistently high-performing spaces that deliver a constant supply of fresh air, eliminate cold draughts, and significantly reduce heating demand, regardless of the conditions outside.

07/06/2026

Definitely worth a visit if you want to see first hand the woodland to workshop journey for homegrown timber…. and the Arbor team will be on hand to talk through all things timber in construction!

This Friday, our own Whitney Sawmills opens for a behind-the-scenes look at a working sawmill, along with an exhibition of makers, woodland tours and the Origin Pizza van.

A working sawmill is a fascinating place - you'll get chance to get behind-the-scenes look at how UK timber is processed and explore the remarkable range of homegrown wood the mill supplies.

Paired with a guided walk through Aconbury Wood with the Duchy of Cornwall, it's a brilliant day out!

Open Woods & Workshops is part of the Woodland Heritage Skills project and is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to conserve and promote sustainable productive woodland management skills in the UK.

Castle Ring Oak Frame | Nuthatch Creations | Arbor Architects | Whitney Sawmills


Hereford Times Your Herefordshire MyHereford

05/06/2026

There have been some really exciting developments over at the Centre for Innovation and Future Skills!

The building is now officially weather-tight and secure thanks to the installation of the new Schüco external doors. Inside, the walls have been plastered and mist-coated, creating a fresh canvas for the final finishes.

One of our favourite elements—the timber batten feature ceiling—is making great progress. With the first quadrant complete, you can already feel the warmth and quality it brings to the space.

To maximise functionality, we’ve also hung acoustic sliding partitions so the area can be easily subdivided for different uses. Meanwhile, the M&E second fix (including fire and security systems) is keeping everything moving smoothly behind the scenes.

Photos 2 & 3 Firth Construction

01/06/2026

Seven years of Arbor. Seven years of sustainable design, client partnerships and turning sketches into structures. We’ve grown, and it feels like the right moment for our identity to reflect that journey.

Founded in 2019, Arbor Architects has always had a clear purpose: to transform ideas into beautifully crafted, enduring spaces. As we celebrate our seventh year, we’re reflecting on how far we’ve come - from a small start-up to an award-winning regenerative architecture practice.

Our rebrand reflects that evolution, a practice that has matured, refined its values and gained clarity in purpose. The new identity expresses how we work: open, collaborative, human and with an unwavering commitment to high-quality, sustainable design.

While our visual identity has evolved, the principles at the heart of our work remain unchanged. This is not a departure, but a natural progression; one that better represents who we are today and where we’re heading.

A huge thanks to Jon at Honest Studio for helping us shape an identity that truly feels like us.

https://www.arborarchitects.co.uk/journal/reflectionofsevenyears

28/05/2026

Designing for occupant wellbeing is a key driver when we start any project. To do this, we approach every detail through the lens of Human-Centric Wellbeing. This could be a strategic use of textured brickwork and soft landscaping, which may help dampen ambient noise and create a quietude essential to a mindful home. Or a deep roof overhang that will provide essential solar shading, preventing overheating or harsh visual glare that can lead to sensory fatigue.

Where appropriate, we may incorporate seamless thresholds and wide openings to allow for effortless movement between spaces. This accessibility isn't just about convenience; it's about future-proofing a dwelling so it can evolve with its inhabitants.

These elements help us create a home that isn't just beautiful to look at, but one that actively fosters a profound state of wellbeing and psychological comfort.

26/05/2026

What is Permission in Principle?

Understanding whether a site has genuine development potential can feel like a leap into the unknown. The planning system often requires considerable investment long before it provides any certainty, particularly on sites with heritage, landscape, or ecological sensitivities. Since 2016, however, a more measured route has been available: Permission in Principle (PiP).

In our latest Journal entry, Director Elly explains what exactly PiP is and how the process works. Take a look to learn if PiP is right for you!

https://www.arborarchitects.co.uk/journal/permissioninprinciple

22/05/2026

Today is , and with the introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain regulations, we have a duty as architects to not only retain our biodiversity but to improve it as well!

For many, a "site" is just a plot of land, but in reality, it is a complex web of existing habitats and biodiversity. We are now tasked with ensuring that every project leaves this ecosystem measurably richer than we found it.

How does this look in practice? It looks like green roofs, which act as carbon sinks and natural insulators. It looks like the specification of indigenous planting palettes that support local invertebrate populations. It looks like 'hidden' architecture, integrated nesting sites for birds and bats that are seamlessly built into our high- performance walls without compromising the home's U-values.

We don't just design for our clients; we design for the bees, the birds, and the soil. Because a home that supports its local environment will truly stand the test of time. 🐝

20/05/2026

We’ve been quietly working away behind the scenes, and something exciting has been taking shape… Today, we’re revealing a first glimpse of a big change happening soon at Arbor.

This is just a sneak peek of what’s coming, and our new chapter will be unveiled soon. We can’t wait to share the rest with you. Stay tuned 👀