Fox-Groves Architecture

29/08/2026

We are delighted to have received planning approval for amendments to our previously approved scheme for a roof extension and alterations to this property in Penshurst, Kent. Swipe between the rendered image and existing house.

This property is located in the Green Belt and High Weald National Landscape which restricts development. However, with careful design we've increased the Gross External Area by 105% compared to the original house!

We have also been developing the technical design in tandem; utilising engineered timber I-joists, wood-fibre insulation, triple-glazed windows, an insulated render system and MVHR units to the first floor bedrooms and will soon be going out to tender.

Please do get in touch to see how we can help with your project.
[email protected]
07792678564

28/07/2026

On site for a baseline blower door test at our low-energy retrofit and roof extension project in the High Weald near Penshurst.

The air permeability was 9.59 with significant air leakage identified from the existing 1980s loft conversion, which we're replacing with an enlarged, well-insulated roof extension. The existing suspended timber floor also (unsurprisingly) was not very air-tight, which we will also look to address as part of the works.

We're looking forward to seeing this project on site.

Please do get in touch to see how we can help with your low-energy project.
[email protected]
07792678564

28/07/2026

I hope everyone is keeping safe in the heat!

As this extreme weather is likely to occur more frequently, it's more important than ever to ensure that your home is designed to be comfortable.

As a Certified Passive House Designer, I can model the energy and comfort of your home using PHPP to determine the heating demand and overheating risk and come up with design measures to combat overheating risk, along with specifying appropriate products and materials.

Materials such as Wood Fibre insulation have a significant higher decrement delay (time it takes for external heat to pass through a material) compared to lightweight insulation materials like PIR and so can help to combat overheating.

Triple glazing also reduces solar heat gain compared to double (or single) glazing. As the sun heats the glass, it acts as a radiator - this unshaded window up to 62.8 degrees with only some morning sun! A triple glazed window with the same sun exposure had a surface temperature around 17 degrees cooler.

Please do get in touch to see how we can help with your project.
[email protected]
07792678564

28/07/2026

We're currently working on designs for a whole house retrofit and low-energy kitchen-diner extension to a property near the Surrey Hills.

Due to its location in the Green Belt there are strict restrictions on the volumetric increase which has resulted in a creative roof form which maximises the feeling of space internally whilst minimising it externally.

We are hoping to submit a planning application later in the summer.

Please do get in touch to see how we can help with your project.
[email protected]
07792678564

23/05/2026

Are you ready for the bank holiday heatwave? ☀️

With the rising temperatures it’s important that our homes are designed to keep cool in the summer as well as staying warm in the winter.

A Passivhaus is designed for comfort and, using clever design strategies, appropriate materials and accurate energy modelling (using PHPP), help to keep buildings cooler in the summer.

Please get in touch to see how we can help realise your Passivhaus, EnerPHit or AECB CarbonLite project, whether it’s a new-build or retrofit.

24/04/2026

I recently visited Bologna and was happy to have stumbled across a showroom designed by the incredible Carlo Scarpa. One of only two stores he designed (the other being the Olivetti showroom on Piazza San Marco in Venice). Unfortunately, it was closed so I didn't get a chance to explore inside.

Carlo Scarpa was an Italian Architect known as "the master of detail", blending modernity with tradition and craftmanship. The majority of his work is located in the Veneto region of Italy, which some great examples in Venice.

This project was for the Gavina showroom; to create a "temple of furniture". The façade features a textured concrete plane with monumental windows, drawing the views of passers by, with gold detailing providing contrast.

24/04/2026