MH ArchTech

18/08/2026

In this video, I explain why a fabric first approach really is, in my opinion, the most efficient way to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

In this video, I explain why a fabric first approach really is, in ...

10/08/2026

It likely comes as little surprise that a blockwork wall (even an Ultralite one) is heavier than a stud partition but, when necessary, it can be worth knowing the actual figures involved.

The blockwork wall is by far the simpler construction but being 1.5x the weight may just be the block that breaks the camel's back.

03/08/2026

Three months into MH ArchTech Ltd and jeepers… what a whirlwind it’s been.

We’ve had the privilege of consulting with fantastic practices up and down this (currently very sunny) island, and we’ve taken on some brilliant local private clients when the project has appealed. It’s been busy - far busier than I ever anticipated - and that’s a very good thing.

There’s been no shortage of luck either. Good timing, good people, and some excellent early contracts in Barrow that brought capital into the company and eased that early stress of “where’s the next paying job coming from?”. That breathing room allowed me to build a solid foundation, and it’s made all the difference.

My aim from day one was to become a robust technical partner for architectural practices, and I genuinely feel we’re on the right track. Not every quote has been accepted, not every contract won… but losing out brings lessons too. Where can I improve? What should I target next? Growth isn’t just about wins - it’s about learning.

The biggest lesson so far? Pacing myself. Time management. Not everything needs doing today, because there will always be more to do tomorrow. Take time. Enjoy the work. Yesterday (yes, on a Sunday) I sat down and just played with a scheme in the Lake District - and it reminded me exactly why I love this job.

And then there’s home. Being present. Seeing parenting milestones I would have undoubtedly missed in my previous role. I saw my son crawl for the first time - literally as I walked in from a long day of inspections. I heard his first “dadadadada… DADA!”. Today, he fed himself Spag Bol. Some of it even made it into his mouth. These moments are priceless.

Forming MH ArchTech Ltd has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I’m excited to continue growing this young company into a trusted, established architectural consultancy.

I look forward to strengthening existing relationships and forming new ones as MH ArchTech Ltd continues to grow.

01/08/2026

Playing with sketch options for a proposal to maximise the lake views whilst rationalising the existing annexe to a beautiful arts and crafts property in the Lake District.

Genuinely excited to work on this project and really looking forward to developing it.

Irrespective of how high tech the technology gets in architecture with CAD, 3D modelling, digital twins, point cloud scans and VR, it all tends to start the same way; a pencil and some tracing paper.

14/07/2026

Pleased to share that MH ArchTech Ltd has been appointed to provide Building Regulations compliance and submission support on a private-residential project in Kensington, London.

It’s great to see our reputation for clear and robust compliance continuing to grow - even beyond our usual geographic reach. More and more clients are looking for that structured, technically‑grounded support when faced with the Building Regulations journey, especially if there is no clear starting point.

If you’re in that position - even dealing with historic works, missing documentation, or a complex set of conditions that need to be discharged - MH ArchTech Ltd can help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

03/07/2026

MH ArchTech Ltd are excited to announce we have been appointed to undertake designs for works to a beautiful 1930s Arts and Crafts house in the Lake District. This is an exciting project with stunning views out across the lake and we"re really looking forward to progressing the scheme.

29/06/2026

It's always nice to see a scheme starting to take shape. These are only the initial proposals but with lots of client liaison to ensure the finished design is something everyone is satisfied with.

This is a mixed-use scheme incorporating child-care, residential and an integral garage, and comes with lots of design challenges. Not least of which is the lower ground floor accessed from the back. Marrying client needs, compliant design and keeping sympathetic to the wider street context has been an interesting balance. It's a really exciting project though and it'll be great to see it develop.

16/06/2026

🚨 Excited to announce that MH ArchTech Ltd is now a member of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce.

This is another fantastic step for the company and being a member of the county's premier business network is a privilege.

We've now been trading for just 6 weeks and, I'll be honest, things have really picked up. No two days are ever the same, whether it's meeting a client for a bespoke residential project with views overlooking Windermere, working with fellow architectural practices to provide robust Stage 4 Technical design for their clients or undertaking high level inspections in Barrow due to being one of the few local firms with the necessary credentials to provide the service, it's all go. It's still early days but onwards and upwards and, if you need architectural input on your project, drop us a line. Let's chat. 🙂

04/06/2026

MH ArchTech Ltd have been busy this week, working with Gadsden Consulting Ltd. undertaking high level visual bracket inspections on a large industrial building in Barrow.

This isn't our usual workload but we're in the fortunate position of having experience (as well as the necessary credentials) on these projects and Director Mike Hartley has developed a solid working relationship with Gadsden Consulting over the years.

Don't worry though. We're still available for all your architectural needs. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything on either 07768842780 or, if I'm not available, [email protected].

26/05/2026

An important step when looking at extensions and whether or not they comply with Part L is the Excessive Glazing Calculation - essentially, the area of windows and doors should not exceed more than 25% of the floor area of the extension.

It's a simple enough calculation which becomes slightly less simple when offsetting existing floor areas or windows and doors. You can essentially deduct these areas from the calculation.

So what happens if you do exceed 25%? You can offset the excessive glazing with Area-Weighted U-values. Improve the performance of all the elements to offset the fact you have gaping holes in your walls. The biggest percentage improvement you can make here is triple-glazing! You can make small improvements to floors, walls and roofs but the actual windows are your weakest performing element here. Mitigate it!

There are other methodologies as well like using SAP, etc. but that's a can of worms and best avoided if you can. Fortunately, this extension passes without needed any improvements to thermal elements. With all existing elements offset, the glazed area comes to 21% of the GIA. That's good enough for me and, most importantly, good enough to satisfy the Building Regulations.