Studio 8 Architecture

05/08/2026

Developed designs for a carefully considered renovation to an Arts & Crafts house in Penarth, currently in the process of structural drawings for Building Control.

05/08/2026

Interior renderings for a deep retrofit and general remodel to a newbuild house in Newport. We are not extending, other than adding a porch, and instead focusing on making the absolute best possible use of the space currently available

27/06/2026

The cost of polyiso or “PIR” insulation, such as Celotex, has steadily increased as with all petroleum-based products. However 140mm of polyiso between a 2x6” timber stud wall achieves a U-value of 0.18W/m2K aka the min. efficiency required for extensions in Wales. By comparison, you need almost twice the thickness of other products like rockwool, wood fibre or sheep’s wool. Pound for pound, this is why Celotex is used, particularly where space and budget is tight. Hybrid products like Actis have become popular due to their ease of handling, and promise of miracular results, but with a big caveat: they must be combined with polyiso to achieve the same depth : U-value ratio, and require a very high level of finesse and precision in their fitting to work, which I’ve found completely impractical in reality. I’ve also discounted superfoils for the same reason and their prohibitive cost in all but a few situations. So, for now, polyiso continues to be the most economical and effective insulation for extensions. I hope that will change, because it’s horrible stuff.

25/06/2026

22/06/2026

CGI for a timber frame first floor extension over an existing kitchen extension in Penarth. We’re looking to use a very economical standing seam style cladding product by Cladco Profiles® to keep cladding costs to a minumum, following much success with a corrugated profile we’ve used on another recent project.

06/06/2026

A snippet of the time and thought that goes into coordinating as many details as possible before tendering and starting on site. Not all drawing sets are created equal, and not all architectural process is consistent. Well-resolved spaces take thought, time, experience and considerable effort in the planning. We’re not in the business of throwing up boxes, we aim to create extremely well resolved spaces that are a joy to live in for many years to come. In education, we’re taught that’s the difference between buildings and architecture.

31/05/2026

Corten Steel signage by

31/05/2026

Pet Project. Landscape.
Traditional Blue Lias walls rebuilt with natural lime mortar, Corten Steel signage by and Gris limestone pavers by