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First In Architecture

5 Useful Things for June

Published about 1 month ago • 2 min read

5 Useful Things

Welcome to our June edition of 5 Useful Things. In these mid monthly emails we share with you 5 useful things we have come across during our work and personal time that we hope you will enjoy.

This month we have a variety of discoveries that we hope you will get some value from. If you have stumbled across something that you think our readers would find useful, please let us know!

1. Something To Explore

London Planning Data App

This planning data map provides easy access to the latest spatial data about planning policy. This includes London wide layers, grouped under ‘Protection’, ‘Good Growth’ and strategic ‘Context’, and local plan policy layers from each London Planning Authority under ‘Borough Layers’.

2. Something to Try

EcoCocon Straw Panels

If you are interested in natural materials and low carbon construction, EcoCocon is a great company to look at. They offer a prefabricated straw wall system along with plenty of technical downloads, guidance and support, making them a useful resource if you want to learn more about straw-based construction.

3. Something Beautiful

House Made By Many Hands

Explore this beautiful project that features materials from Low Carbon Industrial. This project by Cairn Architects is a really interesting read, showing how careful reuse, timber structure and lower carbon material choices can shape a thoughtful and beautifully resolved home.

4. Something to Learn

ACAN Retrofit Webinar

Insulation is often seen as a simple solution, but when applied incorrectly it can lead to moisture issues, performance gaps, and long-term building damage. This webinar takes a practical, honest look at how insulation really works in retrofit, with a focus on natural materials, detailing, and real-world outcomes.

5. Something to Watch

1960s Camden Home

What does it feel like to finally live in a house you have admired for decades? This lovely film visits a 1960s Camden home bought by an architecture enthusiast after dreaming about it for 50 years, and offers a thoughtful look at the quiet joy of living with great design.

We hope you find something here that perhaps you haven't stumbled across before. We'll continue to keep our eyes open to anything we think you will find useful or enjoy, and keep you updated every month with our 5 Useful Things.

This month's selection comes from Aida, Valanne and Emma. Thank you, as always, for reading our emails and showing us your love and support. It really means a lot.

All our best,

Emma and the First In Architecture Team

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