RDA Architects

10/07/2026

Heatwaves don't necessarily mean you need air conditioning.

One of the biggest misconceptions in residential design is that keeping a home cool requires more technology.

In reality, the most effective cooling strategy often begins long before you reach for a thermostat.

A well designed EnerPHit or Passive House retrofit uses building physics to prevent overheating in the first place through external shading, intelligent ventilation, thermal mass and carefully considered design.

In our latest article, I share the simple routine we use to keep our own EnerPHit home comfortable during periods of extreme heat, without relying on air conditioning.

As UK summers become hotter, designing homes that remain comfortable while using less energy is becoming increasingly important.

I'd be interested to hear how others are approaching overheating in retrofit and residential projects.

Read the full article below.

Dulwich and East Dulwich South East London England Dulwich and East Dulwich South East London England

By Richard Dudzicki, RIBA Architect, RDA Architects The headlines would have you believe that every hot summer calls for a bigger air conditioner. That's a bit like solving a leaking roof by buying more buckets.

05/03/2026

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

13/11/2025

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.

13/02/2025

We are delighted to announce that Connected House has been shortlisted for the RIBA London Award 2025!

This recognition reflects the innovative design and sustainable approach behind this incredible retrofit project. Connected House perfectly demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can transform existing spaces into energy-efficient, future-proof homes while keeping their unique character intact.

We are proud to contribute to sustainable design, benefiting both homeowners and the environment.

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the awards ceremony! We’ll be meeting with the RIBA jury in the coming weeks to showcase the building and discuss our sustainability approach. The winners will be announced this spring.

Check out Connected House to learn more about the project. - https://www.rdauk.com/the-connected-house-retrofit

RIBA London

21/01/2025

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

16/01/2025

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.

14/01/2025

We're thrilled to spotlight an article by Richard Dudzicki for New London Architecture

"Decoding the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard: Where Do We Start?"

Richard unpacks the complexities of achieving net zero carbon in buildings, sharing practical guidance on where to begin. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, evolving standards, and overcoming industry challenges to design truly sustainable solutions.

Head over to https://nla.london/news/decoding-the-net-zero-carbon-buildings-standard-where-do-we-start to read the full article and explore how these standards shape the future of design and construction.

Spotlight on our Pitched Passivhaus
Photography by Timothy Soar.

05/11/2024

And breathe.

Indoor/outdoor living at Ray of Light House, captured by Simon Maxwell.

https://www.rdauk.com/ray-of-light-house

21/10/2024

How do you solve a problem like a dingy kitchen?

At Connected House, we not only wanted to honour the original 1960s design, but to reduce our carbon impact by avoiding demolishing and rebuilding. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

Explore more here: https://www.rdauk.com/connected-house