Imagine your home as a high-quality flask. When sealed properly, it keeps your drink at the perfect temperature for hours. Airtightness in buildings works similarly: it's about creating a continuous, sealed envelope around your home that prevents unwanted air from leaking in or out. Think of all the tiny gaps around windows, doors, or where pipes enter your house. These seemingly insignificant spaces can add up to the equivalent of leaving a window open all year round. In today's world of rising energy costs, where the average London home loses £400-£500 annually through air leakage alone, airtightness has become increasingly crucial. At RDA Architects, with over 25 years of experience in sustainable home design, we've seen how proper airtightness transforms living spaces, offering benefits that go far beyond energy savings: Enhanced temperature control: No more cold spots or drafts Significantly reduced noise pollution from outside Better air quality through controlled ventilation Protection against moisture issues and mould Reduced dust and allergen infiltration Lower heating and cooling costs (typically 70-90% reduction) Passive Mews II: A Modern Marvel of Efficiency
Behind the Scenes: RDA x Sana Open Studio Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of opening our studio doors for a collaborative event with Sana Tabassum- architect, educator, and founder of :scale, a platform that champions emerging voices in architecture. The evening brought together students, graduates, and early-career designers for an inspiring session of portfolio reviews, career chats, and honest conversations about what it really means to navigate the world of architecture today. The studio was alive with creative energy as attendees engaged in one-on-one critiques, informal Q&As, and discussions that ranged from practical job hunting tips to big-picture reflections on the future of design. Sana shared her expertise on building a personal brand, curating meaningful portfolios, and using digital platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to grow your reach and professional network. What stood out most was the sense of community, an affirmation that spaces like these, where emerging architects can share, reflect, and ask questions, are more essential than ever.
RDA Architects is proud to be participating in the London Festival of Architecture (LFA) 2025, with a specially curated event designed to spark dialogue around sustainable design and future-facing housing. As part of this year’s festival, we are hosting “Conversations on Sustainable Living: A Guided Walk Through East Dulwich,” offering the public a rare chance to explore the principles of Passivhaus architecture in real-world residential settings. You can now book your free place via Eventbrite: Conversations on Sustainable Living – Guided Walk Through East Dulwich About the London Festival of Architecture 2025 The London Festival of Architecture is Europe’s largest annual festival of architecture, with hundreds of events that bring together architects, communities, and the public. The 2025 theme, “Voices,” asks how we listen, who gets heard, and how design can empower underrepresented perspectives—whether social, cultural, environmental, or spatial. This theme is especially resonant for us at RDA Architects, where we believe sustainable design isn’t just about energy efficiency—it’s about creating spaces that reflect and respond to the needs of the people who live in them. Explore the full festival programme: London Festival of Architecture 202