Words of Wisdom

“So, we can’t save the world by playing by the rules, because the rules have to be changed. Everything needs to change and it has to start today!” - Greta Thunberg “God is in the details” Meis van der Rohe “There is a time for everything: a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to tear down, and a time to build, a time to be silent and a time to speak out...” Ecclesiastes 3 “Climate Change is the Greatest Threat to Human Health of the 21st Century” Lancet Commission, 2009

Welcome

Colin Usher . BSc

HONS

. Dip Architecture

Microtecture helps homeowners create buildings that are warm, quiet, healthy and exceptionally energy-efficient.I combine architectural experience with a deep understanding of building physics to design homes that perform beautifully — not just on paper, but in real life. Let’s design a home that works for you and the planet. Why Choose an Ultra-Low-Energy Home? A well-designed building should feel effortless to live in.My approach focuses on: Comfort — stable temperatures, no cold spots, no draughts Health — fresh, filtered air and excellent indoor air quality Low running costs — dramatically reduced energy demand Resilience — future-proof performance as the climate changes Simplicity — fabric-first design that avoids unnecessary complexity These principles are inspired by Passive House thinking, but tailored to your needs, your budget and your site. A Thoughtful, Human Approach to Design I believe architecture should serve the people who live in it.That means listening carefully, understanding your priorities, and designing a home that supports the way you want to live. My work is grounded in: Evidence-based design Honest conversations about cost and performance A commitment to sustainability A belief that good buildings improve lives What I Do I help clients at every stage of the journey: Concept design — shaping your ideas into a clear, buildable vision Energy and performance modelling — ensuring the design truly works Detailing and specification — getting the fabric right Support during construction — helping your builder deliver the performance you expect Whether you’re planning a new home, a deep retrofit, or a small but meaningful improvement, I can guide you through the process. A Home That Proves What’s Possible My own house — designed and built in 2018 — is a real- world demonstration of what ultra-low-energy design can achieve.It stays warm with minimal heating, maintains excellent air quality, and costs very little to run. Living in it has shaped my understanding of what truly matters in building performance. You can explore the full case study in the How It Works section. Start Your Project If you’re thinking about building or improving a home and want it to be comfortable, efficient and future-proof, I’d love to help. Get in touch at colinu5@outlook.com