As the new year begins, Shropshire-based architectural firm Ke-design is experiencing a surge in inquiries from homeowners eager to embark on new projects for the coming year.
Craig Marston has successfully led Ke-design for over 13 years, consistently delivering quality solutions that meet their client’s needs. Here, he shares insights into the architectural trends shaping 2025.
“While sustainability and wellbeing are not entirely new concepts, clients are becoming more conscious, with them gaining traction as essential considerations in their homes design.”
Homeowners are increasingly mindful of their environmental impact and with the rising costs of energy, the requirement for eco-friendly and energy efficient solutions are in demand.
“With energy prices continuing to climb, energy-efficient homes are a priority for our clients”. Craig explains, “Our clients are requesting more sustainable approaches in design, to reduce environmental impact. The combination of energy efficiency and sustainability minimises this impact while reducing the household energy bill.”
Ke-design take a holistic approach to environmentally friendly design. It covers three core elements:
- Fundamental design principles: this includes orientation, layout and other design elements that enhance the energy performance.
- Use of sustainable materials: selecting materials with low environmental impact.
- Incorporation of energy saving mechanisms: technology that conserves energy and reduces costs.
A notable example of this approach is Ke-design’s development of 3 unique plots in Porth-Y-Waen, near Oswestry. A local developer appointed their services with the brief “design what you think’s best” – it’s not every day the designer gets a free reign. The 3 dwellings exemplify Ke-design’s forward-thinking vision, embracing modern aesthetics with sustainable principles.
“People’s impression of an eco-home has come a long way from ‘it’s a bit hippy’. While today’s building regulations are a lot more stringent, new builds are fairly energy efficient. But it’s not enough. Along with reducing energy use, people are more aware of the construction industries impact on the environment. This shift is influencing not just new builds but also renovations, extensions, and even the decisions of buyers and renters, who increasingly prioritise Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings when considering properties.”
Conscientious housebuilders and developers are implementing sustainability from the start. Ke-design’s Porth-Y-Waen project celebrates this.
“From the off, the dwellings were going to be more than just modern looking. Their sustainable design credentials include the south facing glazing, which captures the amazing views and provides undervalued solar heat gain. The construction method is a highly insulated and airtight timber frame. The solar panels provide free electricity which powers the air source heat pump, underfloor heating, and the Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery System that recycles heat as well as distributes the solar gain. The result is homes with reduced embodied carbon, extremely low energy consumption, and ‘free’ green and renewable energy.”
Ke-design also recognises the value of wellbeing focused house design.
Your home can have a huge effect on your wellbeing and mental health. Elements of design that can be overlooked are the floor layout and flow of the house, natural light, the materials, ventilation and colour.
“Wellbeing was integral to the Porth-Y-Waen development. Upon entering, there’s a feel-good factor, and the spaces and materials create a natural calming environment. The open plan and large windows flood the space with natural light, creating connection with outside and nature.”
Ke-design will be exhibiting this excellence by returning to the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the NEC, 20–23 March. The event is a platform for those considering projects to seek advice and inspiration.
“Our connection with the HBR began in 2016 when their magazine featured one of our award-winning projects in Oswestry,” Craig explains.
“Since then, we’ve had several projects featured in the magazine and enjoy offering advice to self-builders, housebuilders and developers at the show.
“We love exhibiting and highly recommend attending, as it’s an opportunity to help people with potential projects and advising them on the whole process.”
For complimentary tickets email info@ke-design.co.uk. For inspiration and a full list of services visit www.ke-design.co.uk
