Archangel Architects

25/06/2026

A lovely evening at Homerton College for the East Property Awards, where Duck End Barns received a Highly Commended award in the Low Carbon Building of the Year category.

It was a real privilege for Apostolos to represent Archangel and to see the project recognised alongside such a strong shortlist of projects from across the East of England.

What was particularly encouraging was the breadth and quality of work being celebrated. From homes and community buildings to healthcare projects, it was heartening to see so many teams placing low-carbon design at the heart of what they do.

Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists, and thank you to the judges and organisers for such an enjoyable evening in a spectacular setting.

Most importantly, thank you to our clients, whose ambition and commitment made Duck End Barns possible.

📷 Swipe through to see a few photographs from the evening.

23/06/2026

Fantastic news for Northstowe!

18/06/2026

At a time when division often dominates the headlines, Northstowe is telling a different story.

We're delighted to see the news that the Northstowe Church Network has been selected as the preferred organisation to take forward plans for Northstowe's first dedicated faith and community site.

This is a project we've been privileged to support as it has evolved, working alongside a wide range of partners and engaging with local residents.

What makes the proposals particularly significant is the collaboration behind them. Christian and Muslim communities have come together around a shared vision for a building that will serve the whole town.

The plans include separate spaces for Christian worship and Muslim prayer, alongside community facilities designed for residents of all faiths and none.

During recent engagement events, we heard residents speak about the importance of belonging, welcome, friendship and connection. Those themes have helped shape the vision for the project from the outset.

Buildings cannot create community on their own. But they will help shape the community that forms around them, so their design is really important in achieving a sense of belonging, welcome, friendship, etc.

Congratulations to the Northstowe Church Network, Pathfinder Church, Northstowe Muslims and everyone who has contributed to reaching this important milestone. We look forward to helping take the project forward.

17/06/2026

Fantastic news for our friends at Pathfinder Church Northstowe! 👏👏

We're looking forward to developing a detailed design and exploring meanwhile use of the site until construction can begin!

Exciting times in Northstowe 🥰 Congratulations to everyone involved!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c23yv25lxxno?fbclid=IwY2xjawSfFJRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETA3OUtETEhsdzUycVVRMDlSc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHluuoVoZ9ZwKlYOogrSb2QrX-THM25LcIIlSm7PYu5i2527XHhnww7e8FYUg_aem_lmeteZCj0T1d8cBmVfyQKA

Church and Muslim networks collaborate on a new faith and community hub.

11/06/2026

Curious about what it's really like to live in a Passivhaus?

We're opening our doors as part of the International 2026. Come and explore Duck End Barns, meet the team behind the project, and discover how low-energy design can deliver comfort, health and efficiency.

“For us, Duck End Barns had to be more than a house — it had to be a place we’d truly enjoy for the rest of our lives. Every material, every space, every detail was chosen with that intention.” Stephen, homeowner.

📅 1pm 23 June
📍 Dry Drayton, Cambridgeshireshire

Book your free place: https://bit.ly/PHopendays26

Passivhaus Trust

04/06/2026

There’s something uniquely valuable about experiencing a building in person.

The Passivhaus Trust Open Days offer the opportunity to visit some exceptional buildings, meet the people behind them, and hear honestly about the realities of designing, building and living in a Passivhaus home.

This year, our clients have generously agreed to open the doors of Duck End Barns on 23 June as part of the programme, allowing others to learn from their experience of creating this off-grid, net-positive home.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the project, ask questions, and learn more about the thinking behind the design and the benefits of Passivhaus principles in everyday life.

Whether you’re planning your own project or simply curious about low-energy design, the Open Days are always informative and inspiring.

28/05/2026

A timely opportunity to unlock underused church land for housing

The The Church of England’s Housing Project is helping parishes and dioceses rethink how underused land and buildings could meet local housing need—transforming spaces like surplus car parks or ageing church halls into affordable, sustainable homes.

With a new grant round closing on 23 June 2026, there is a clear window for churches to take the first step. The programme offers early-stage funding for feasibility, surveys and professional advice, removing some of the key barriers that often prevent these projects getting off the ground.

For many, the opportunity isn’t just about housing—it’s about strengthening community assets, supporting local mission, and creating long-term social value.

At Archangel Architects, we are well positioned to support this journey. With experience across heritage settings, community-led development and complex site constraints, we understand how to unlock sensitive sites in a way that balances viability, design quality and long-term impact.

For parishes considering what might be possible, this is a chance to move from aspiration to action—with the right support in place.

👉 Learn more about the Housing Project here: https://lnkd.in/ebVhfw2X

21/05/2026

What have you got planned for the bank holiday? 🌿

Any adventures afoot?

Dirk has just completed an incredible 5-day hike to summit the three highest peaks in South Africa—taking in some spectacular views (and earning some well-deserved bragging rights along the way!).

Most of us won’t be aiming quite that high… but we hope it inspires you to get outside, explore, and make the most of the long weekend.

Let us know what you’ve got planned 👇

21/05/2026

On 13 May, Nigel and Apostolos spoke at the RIBA East Small Practice Network event, reflecting on the origins and development of Archangel Architects.

The session explored how the practice evolved, how its values have shaped the type of work it takes on, and some of the lessons learned along the way balancing community, church and residential projects over the last 25 years.

One of the things we’ve increasingly realised is that small practices can bring something distinctive. Not because they are small in themselves, but because they often have the freedom to pursue work with clarity, purpose and personality.

We enjoyed the discussion and hearing the stories of others navigating similar journeys.

14/05/2026

Sometimes you don’t realise where a conversation will lead.

Back in September 2019, Nigel delivered a training session for the (Church of England) exploring how churches might think differently about their buildings, communities and long-term future.

Yesterday, during a planning conversation for an upcoming conference, he discovered that the churchwarden and team vicar organising the event had been in that room.

They told him those earlier discussions helped shape their thinking and played a part in the journey that followed. That was genuinely encouraging to hear.

On 15 May, Nigel will be speaking at a day conference at Community Changemakers in Norfolk, focused on the challenges facing rural churches and the opportunities created through Festival Church status.

What makes this particularly interesting is that the conference is taking place within the story itself. The church and community behind the project have clearly worked incredibly hard to reimagine what their building can be and how it can continue serving people well into the future.

One of the privileges of working with churches is that projects rarely happen quickly. Ideas are planted, conversations continue, confidence grows, and sometimes years later you begin to see the fruit of those earlier discussions.

Nigel is looking forward to being part of the day and hearing more of the story firsthand.