Nigel Lewis
@spaceandstyle.bsky.social
Architectural designer and serial upcycler.
Find me at www.spaceandstyle.co.uk/
Find me at www.spaceandstyle.co.uk/
Great interview explaining among other things how China has an engineering culture when it comes to building compared to the USA and UK that has a lawyer approach that stifles development.
"When it comes to building public works – never trust anyone who speaks English."
Analyst, writer and China specialist Dan Wang tells Lewis Goodall why the British are among some of the worst at building and have the highest housing costs in the western world
Analyst, writer and China specialist Dan Wang tells Lewis Goodall why the British are among some of the worst at building and have the highest housing costs in the western world
December 7, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Great interview explaining among other things how China has an engineering culture when it comes to building compared to the USA and UK that has a lawyer approach that stifles development.
We have just gained #planningpermission to transform a dated property which sits in a conservation area within the countryside. Our design replaces wide flat roofed dormers with a series of gables that soften and elevate the entire design resulting in a more characterful home. spaceandstyle.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 11:24 AM
We have just gained #planningpermission to transform a dated property which sits in a conservation area within the countryside. Our design replaces wide flat roofed dormers with a series of gables that soften and elevate the entire design resulting in a more characterful home. spaceandstyle.co.uk
Reposted by Nigel Lewis
Housebuilding in England has slowed to its lowest level in nine years, with the number of homes built falling by 6% to 208,600 in the year to March 2025
news.sky.com/story/figure...
news.sky.com/story/figure...
Why developers are worried about 'jaws of death' in England's housing market
"Build, baby, build" sums up the government's housing policy. But the private housebuilders who are expected to contribute most of the new homes say mounting costs, regulations, and taxes may leave th...
news.sky.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Housebuilding in England has slowed to its lowest level in nine years, with the number of homes built falling by 6% to 208,600 in the year to March 2025
news.sky.com/story/figure...
news.sky.com/story/figure...
UK Government poised to take a retrograde step by cutting heat-pump support, restricting subsidies only to those on certain benefits. This risks slowing the energy transition and raising the cost of #Retrofit for existing homes
Hundreds of thousands to lose heat pump subsidies in Reeves’s budget plan
Exclusive: Supporters say grants largely going to middle-class households, but experts warn move will slow transition from gas boilers
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:31 AM
UK Government poised to take a retrograde step by cutting heat-pump support, restricting subsidies only to those on certain benefits. This risks slowing the energy transition and raising the cost of #Retrofit for existing homes
For a short period until 24th November 2025, Lloyds bank is offering UK customers the chance to get a #heatpump installed for free when they take out a new Lloyds mortgage or switch deals. #retrofit
www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/media/press-releases/2025/lloyds-bank-2025/get-a-heat-pump-on-lloyds.html
www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/media/press-releases/2025/lloyds-bank-2025/get-a-heat-pump-on-lloyds.html
October 16, 2025 at 11:45 AM
For a short period until 24th November 2025, Lloyds bank is offering UK customers the chance to get a #heatpump installed for free when they take out a new Lloyds mortgage or switch deals. #retrofit
www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/media/press-releases/2025/lloyds-bank-2025/get-a-heat-pump-on-lloyds.html
www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/media/press-releases/2025/lloyds-bank-2025/get-a-heat-pump-on-lloyds.html
Progress update: Reimagining a 1960s split-level home.
From new insulation to floating rooflines, the makeover on one of our recent projects on a mid century house takes shape.
#retrofit #midcenturyhouse
www.spaceandstyle.co.uk/journal/progress-update-reimagining-a-1960s-split-level-home/
From new insulation to floating rooflines, the makeover on one of our recent projects on a mid century house takes shape.
#retrofit #midcenturyhouse
www.spaceandstyle.co.uk/journal/progress-update-reimagining-a-1960s-split-level-home/
September 3, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Progress update: Reimagining a 1960s split-level home.
From new insulation to floating rooflines, the makeover on one of our recent projects on a mid century house takes shape.
#retrofit #midcenturyhouse
www.spaceandstyle.co.uk/journal/progress-update-reimagining-a-1960s-split-level-home/
From new insulation to floating rooflines, the makeover on one of our recent projects on a mid century house takes shape.
#retrofit #midcenturyhouse
www.spaceandstyle.co.uk/journal/progress-update-reimagining-a-1960s-split-level-home/
Reposted by Nigel Lewis
Heat pumps could halve UK heating bills with energy system reform www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Heat pumps could halve heating bills with energy system reform, study finds
Steps to make electricity cheaper, such as ending levies, could transform prospects for pumps, thinktank shows
www.theguardian.com
August 28, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Heat pumps could halve UK heating bills with energy system reform www.theguardian.com/environment/...
British homes are overheating in the summer, with nearly 5.5 million children living in homes classed as high risk. Yet the Government charges VAT on #retrofit insulation. www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0r7d7vzrkjo
Half of children in England live in homes at risk of overheating
Some five million children - over half of those in England - are living in homes at risk of overheating.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 28, 2025 at 6:59 PM
British homes are overheating in the summer, with nearly 5.5 million children living in homes classed as high risk. Yet the Government charges VAT on #retrofit insulation. www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0r7d7vzrkjo
Reposted by Nigel Lewis
Some impressive new data from Ember today on the UK's solar boom and how it compensated for lower than usual wind power generation during the first half of the year. www.businessgreen.com/news-analysi...
'Solar spring': How Britain's solar boom delivered a record-breaking start to the year
A new analysis reveals how UK solar and wind generation are complementing each other to drive down emissions and enhance energy security
www.businessgreen.com
August 28, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Some impressive new data from Ember today on the UK's solar boom and how it compensated for lower than usual wind power generation during the first half of the year. www.businessgreen.com/news-analysi...
Check out our latest Journal post, The art of bathroom design.
#interiordesign #remodelling #bathroomdesign
www.spaceandstyle.co.uk/journal/the-art-of-bathroom-design-style-comfort-and-clever-planning/
#interiordesign #remodelling #bathroomdesign
www.spaceandstyle.co.uk/journal/the-art-of-bathroom-design-style-comfort-and-clever-planning/
August 20, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Check out our latest Journal post, The art of bathroom design.
#interiordesign #remodelling #bathroomdesign
www.spaceandstyle.co.uk/journal/the-art-of-bathroom-design-style-comfort-and-clever-planning/
#interiordesign #remodelling #bathroomdesign
www.spaceandstyle.co.uk/journal/the-art-of-bathroom-design-style-comfort-and-clever-planning/
One from our archive, Four ways to achieve an open plan kitchen. www.spaceandstyle.co.uk/journal/four...
July 9, 2025 at 10:27 AM
One from our archive, Four ways to achieve an open plan kitchen. www.spaceandstyle.co.uk/journal/four...
Sales of electric heat pumps are growing quickly, up by more than half last year, according to the The independent Climate Change Committee. #Heatpump
yearwww.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqjqzj8rnvyo
yearwww.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqjqzj8rnvyo
More people buying electric cars and heat pumps than ever before
But the Climate Change Committee warns there's still a long way to go for the UK to reach net zero by 2050.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 25, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Sales of electric heat pumps are growing quickly, up by more than half last year, according to the The independent Climate Change Committee. #Heatpump
yearwww.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqjqzj8rnvyo
yearwww.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqjqzj8rnvyo
Builders will be required to fit solar panels to the "vast majority" of new build homes in England under changes to be published this year, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has said.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0j728gvp94o
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0j728gvp94o
Most new build homes must be fitted with solar panels - Miliband
The energy secretary says the move will cut energy bills, but house builders caution against burdensome regulations.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 6, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Builders will be required to fit solar panels to the "vast majority" of new build homes in England under changes to be published this year, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has said.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0j728gvp94o
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0j728gvp94o
The #Victorianhouse that we worked on in 2018 is for sale with Fenwicks Estate Agents. We designed the new extension which replaced a UPVC conservatory to open up to the house, forming a 47m2 kitchen living space, as well as other changes to improve the layout. www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/1...
June 2, 2025 at 11:44 AM
The #Victorianhouse that we worked on in 2018 is for sale with Fenwicks Estate Agents. We designed the new extension which replaced a UPVC conservatory to open up to the house, forming a 47m2 kitchen living space, as well as other changes to improve the layout. www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/1...
Adding 75m2 of living space to a small property in the countryside is never easy & turning it into a contemporary flat roof house just increases the obstacles. So we are very pleased to have gained #planningpermission to extend, #remodel & carry out a full #retrofit on an old bungalow in Guildford.
May 14, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Adding 75m2 of living space to a small property in the countryside is never easy & turning it into a contemporary flat roof house just increases the obstacles. So we are very pleased to have gained #planningpermission to extend, #remodel & carry out a full #retrofit on an old bungalow in Guildford.
Back in 2000 we gained permission to extend this 16th Century Grade II Listed cottage in Fareham UK by 74m2.
Gaining Listed Building consent is always tricky, but our proposals were well received.
Now for sale you can check out this property here. www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/159967775
Gaining Listed Building consent is always tricky, but our proposals were well received.
Now for sale you can check out this property here. www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/159967775
April 2, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Back in 2000 we gained permission to extend this 16th Century Grade II Listed cottage in Fareham UK by 74m2.
Gaining Listed Building consent is always tricky, but our proposals were well received.
Now for sale you can check out this property here. www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/159967775
Gaining Listed Building consent is always tricky, but our proposals were well received.
Now for sale you can check out this property here. www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/159967775
Reposted by Nigel Lewis
All large car parks in France now have to be covered by solar panels.
Where is the chronically backwards UK on this?
Where is the chronically backwards UK on this?
March 14, 2025 at 12:29 PM
All large car parks in France now have to be covered by solar panels.
Where is the chronically backwards UK on this?
Where is the chronically backwards UK on this?
Agreed, we can't have developers using unimaginative templates for max profit, but planning system & new changes reward it. Generally UK housing is:
Poorly insulated
Smallest in Europe
Lack good design
Overly repetitive
With faster processing of schemes, how could building 1.5m homes go wrong?
Poorly insulated
Smallest in Europe
Lack good design
Overly repetitive
With faster processing of schemes, how could building 1.5m homes go wrong?
The Guardian view on the planning bill: new towns must be for people who need them | Editorial
The Guardian view on the planning bill: new towns must be for people who need them | Editorial
Editorial: Ministers and mayors should encourage bold design, as well as the protection of nature
www.theguardian.com
March 13, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Agreed, we can't have developers using unimaginative templates for max profit, but planning system & new changes reward it. Generally UK housing is:
Poorly insulated
Smallest in Europe
Lack good design
Overly repetitive
With faster processing of schemes, how could building 1.5m homes go wrong?
Poorly insulated
Smallest in Europe
Lack good design
Overly repetitive
With faster processing of schemes, how could building 1.5m homes go wrong?
Reposted by Nigel Lewis
How reassuring it would be right now for the UK to be a member of some kind of supranational political and economic union…
February 28, 2025 at 8:28 PM
How reassuring it would be right now for the UK to be a member of some kind of supranational political and economic union…
Reposted by Nigel Lewis
What more evidence do we need - Drill Baby Drill is for the fantasists, the real economy is the green one - the sooner we get there the better for all of us (other than oil barons and petrostate dictators..:)
Net zero economy grows 10% in a year with £83bn boost to UK, report says
Analysis suggests green sectors from renewables to recycling are boosting regional growth.
www.independent.co.uk
February 26, 2025 at 10:41 AM
What more evidence do we need - Drill Baby Drill is for the fantasists, the real economy is the green one - the sooner we get there the better for all of us (other than oil barons and petrostate dictators..:)
Wow, is this what the UK Government meant when they said they were going to cut planning red tape.
Householder applications for alterations/extensions will roughly double – From £258 to £528 + plus planning portal service charge of £84.
#UKPlanning
Householder applications for alterations/extensions will roughly double – From £258 to £528 + plus planning portal service charge of £84.
#UKPlanning
February 25, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Wow, is this what the UK Government meant when they said they were going to cut planning red tape.
Householder applications for alterations/extensions will roughly double – From £258 to £528 + plus planning portal service charge of £84.
#UKPlanning
Householder applications for alterations/extensions will roughly double – From £258 to £528 + plus planning portal service charge of £84.
#UKPlanning
Reposted by Nigel Lewis
Our new banner celebrates renewable energy and its importance to the future. knittingnannas.org/2025/02/18/n...
Nanna News 17 Feb 2025
The Nannas had a busy week with three actions in Sydney and others attending a Summit and associated events in Canberra where we learnt a lot.
knittingnannas.org
February 17, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Our new banner celebrates renewable energy and its importance to the future. knittingnannas.org/2025/02/18/n...
The #midcentury house that we recently gained permission to extend & undertake a full eco #retrofit is about to commence work. The finished house & garage will increase in floor area by just under 100m2. Our design will work with & enhance the early #1960s design & open up the interior layout.
February 18, 2025 at 1:47 PM
The #midcentury house that we recently gained permission to extend & undertake a full eco #retrofit is about to commence work. The finished house & garage will increase in floor area by just under 100m2. Our design will work with & enhance the early #1960s design & open up the interior layout.
The house that we redesigned in Farnham giving it a New England vibe and a 9m kitchen with crittall style windows and doors leading onto the garden is now up for sale.
You can check out this lovely home here. www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/158023478#/
You can check out this lovely home here. www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/158023478#/
February 10, 2025 at 2:18 PM
The house that we redesigned in Farnham giving it a New England vibe and a 9m kitchen with crittall style windows and doors leading onto the garden is now up for sale.
You can check out this lovely home here. www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/158023478#/
You can check out this lovely home here. www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/158023478#/
We have just gained #planningpermission to extend, improve and carry out a full #retrofit on a tired #midcentury house in Oxford. We can't wait to see this lovely project come to fruition.
February 6, 2025 at 5:23 PM
We have just gained #planningpermission to extend, improve and carry out a full #retrofit on a tired #midcentury house in Oxford. We can't wait to see this lovely project come to fruition.