Journal

Every entry, newest first. Topics range from reading a plot to the last millimetre of a window sill.

• Materials

  Materials that age well

  Some finishes look better after ten years, others only look tired. The difference is mostly about water.

• Details

  The window reveal is a drawing of its own

  Most leaks, cold spots and cracked plaster start at the joint between frame and wall. It deserves a 1:5 detail.

• Climate

  Thermal mass where days are hot and nights are cold

  Heavy materials inside the insulation smooth out large swings between day and night - if the house is lived in every day.

• Light

  Daylight in deep rooms

  Light reaches about twice the window head height into a room. Planning around that number saves a lot of lamps.

• Details

  Stairs that feel right

  A stair is comfortable when riser and going follow the length of a human step. The rule is old and still works.

• Site

  Read the site before the first sketch

  Two visits, a compass and a notebook tell you more about a plot than any survey drawing.