

A TECHNICAL GUIDE TO SLIP RATING FOR TILED FLOORS
When specifying tiles for an architectural project, aesthetic appeal must be balanced with technical performance, specifically slip resistance. This is particularly critical when aiming for a seamless transition between an interior kitchen and an exterior terrace. To ensure the safety and longevity of your design, our studio utilises the following technical checklist . It is called the 'R' Rating (The Shod Ramp Test) and it is the most common classification for slip resistanc


THE GUEST CENTERED APPROACH
Is the era of the “lone ” designer over? We suspect it may be. Last week at @londonbuildexpo, our director Cristina @burutapen explored this exact idea while moderating “The Guest-Centred Approach” panel. She was joined by industry experts Marco Ginex ( David Collins Studio) Eleni Meladaki (ACME), Tim Bowder-Ridger (Conran and Partners) and James Dilley (Jestico + Whiles) to dismantle old myths and look at the future of hospitality. 4 Key Takeaways: Belonging vs. Escape:


MODERN ARCHITECTURE IN CONSERVATION AREAS: FINDING BALANCE WITHOUT PASTICHE
A common misconception among homeowners is that living in a conservation area or a listed building puts an end to contemporary design. There is a fear that planning authorities only permit "imitation" architecture. In our practice, the opposite can be true. In fact, sometimes, the most respectful way to honour history is through a clear, honest dialogue between the old and the new. Moving Beyond Pastiche When refurbishing a property of historical significance, the goal is to


PLANNING IS BASED ON CASE LAW
In the United Kingdom, many homeowners assume that obtaining planning permission is a simple "tick-box" exercise based solely on local council handbooks. However, the reality of the British planning system is far more nuanced: it is heavily shaped by case law. Because this landscape is constantly shifting, what was permissible last year may not be feasible today. One should not assume that previous successes guarantee future approvals, nor that a homeowner will be able to exe


MAXIMISE YOUR KITCHEN
Designing a kitchen requires a meticulous balance of aesthetics and ergonomics. Recently, our London studio has been busy developing several bespoke kitchens, focusing on the small but significant details that elevate daily use. In this post, we share several functional integrations that you may not have considered, but which can significantly improve the utility of your space. 1. Reclaiming Space Under the Hob If the oven is relocated to a tall unit, it removes the need to b


PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED
We’re very pleased to share that one of our recent projects has received full planning approval this week. 🎉 Anyone considering extending your home, this might offer some useful insight: Bigger doesn’t always mean better. The most successful projects often strike a careful balance between space, function, and value. Sometimes, a smaller and more strategic extension delivers greater impact by avoiding unnecessary complexity, optimising investment, and leaving scope for future


TEAM CELEBRATION AT SWAY EDIT LONDON
Last night we were able to get together with the team to celebrate the completion of. Last night we were able to get together with the team to celebrate the completion of Sway Edit London . The success of the project was due to a great client and an excellent collaboration across disciplines with a clear focus on making the most of the beautiful new home for Sway Edit in Curtain Road. We even took a celebratory photo of the Designer , Client and Building Surveyor for poste


OPEN HOUSE 2025
Yesterday, our Director @burutapen participated in Open House 2025 invited by one of our clients who opened her beautiful house. The building has been refurbished three times since the 80s and we were appointed for the most recent works: the landscaping around the house. It was a humbling experience to add to the history of such a unique home and we are very grateful to our client for trusting us to do so. During the many visits, Cristina had the opportunity to speak with


THE CRITTAL WINDOWS DYLEMMA: HERITAGE VS THERMAL EFFICIENCY
Crittall windows are an iconic feature of British architectural history, celebrated for their slender profiles and industrial elegance. However, many original installations are single-glazed, making them notoriously inefficient at retaining heat or excluding the cold. In one of our current London projects, our client attempted to replace her original windows with a more modern, thermally efficient system. The local planning authority refused the proposal, a decision that has


