A hand-drawn sketch of an interior room design featuring a dark wall, a framed window wall, a glossy gallery, and various ceiling elements. Notes indicate the use of exposed stamped roof, random size roof trims, continuous roof structure in height, and other construction details.

Stay updated with the latest in sustainable design, expert advice on building a Passivhaus in Devon, navigating planning laws, and innovative home design.

Matt Hayes Matt Hayes

Architects Journal Feature Folia Architects; New Practice Series

After a decade of leading award-winning sustainable projects across the UK, architects Matt and Rachel have announced the launch of their new practice, Folia Architects. Based in a woodland studio near Exeter, the practice brings a "Considered Architecture" philosophy to the heart of the West Country, specialising in low-energy homes that celebrate the unique Devon landscape.

Read More
Matt Hayes Matt Hayes

How to Build a Passivhaus in Devon: The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Luxury

Devon is home to some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes, from the rugged heights of Dartmoor and Exmoor to the gentle rolling hills Mid-Devon. For those looking to build a new home in this beautiful county, the question is often how to balance ambitious architectural design with the need for exemplary energy efficiency and climate resilience.

Read More

From the journal…

Highlights from our travels, current sketches and news and updates.

Merry Christmas from Folia Architects! Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a wonderful start to the New Year.
Merry Christmas from Folia Architects! Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a wonderful start to the New Year.
Devon red earth makes Devon red puddles...
Out on a new eco house site visit last week and we had the excuse to visit the beautiful village of Ashburton. The sign-writing for the all the independent shops especially @wearebriarbakery and @gnashcomics makes it a really charming village! Thank
Out on a new eco house site visit last week and we had the excuse to visit the beautiful village of Ashburton. The sign-writing for the all the independent shops especially @wearebriarbakery and @gnashcomics makes it a really charming village! Thanks for the delicious coffee and cake @itsa_beautiful_thingashburton.
The light outside the studio looked incredible this morning, looking forward to sharing some ideas we're working on soon!
The light outside the studio looked incredible this morning, looking forward to sharing some ideas we're working on soon!
The Old Coach House; this project used rough sawn larch cladding of various widths, left untreated it shows the patina of time. We love the texture and variation the boards create when the low sun shines across them!
The Old Coach House; this project used rough sawn larch cladding of various widths, left untreated it shows the patina of time. We love the texture and variation the boards create when the low sun shines across them!
Breaking ground - it was an exciting week on site this week. It's the first step in creating a light-filled space that is open to the views. These banks will be re-planted with the ferns that were put aside before the works started and a wildflower m
Breaking ground - it was an exciting week on site this week. It's the first step in creating a light-filled space that is open to the views. These banks will be re-planted with the ferns that were put aside before the works started and a wildflower meadow seeded when the seasons allow.
A sketch from an early project; Bicester Passivhaus Plus Co-Working office space. There were two big drivers: - Low energy / Net Zero - Architecture that fosters the creation of community Run by TownSq, it is now a thriving business space, fosteri
A sketch from an early project; Bicester Passivhaus Plus Co-Working office space. There were two big drivers: - Low energy / Net Zero - Architecture that fosters the creation of community Run by TownSq, it is now a thriving business space, fostering connection, creativity and community. Matt was the Project Architect for this RIBA award winning project whilst working at Architype.
Lately we’ve had the privilege of working alongside a community farm, a field-to-fork initiative. The passion, the care, the shared effort…When local voices guide design, something special happens. Places begin to carry identity. They fe
Lately we’ve had the privilege of working alongside a community farm, a field-to-fork initiative. The passion, the care, the shared effort…When local voices guide design, something special happens. Places begin to carry identity. They feel lived-in, loved, and lasting. And that’s what we’re here for.
This miniature streetscape, created from timber off-cuts, reminds us that even the smallest scraps can spark big ideas. A quiet moment in the workshop becomes a celebration of form, texture, and imagination. Because sometimes, the most meaningful de
This miniature streetscape, created from timber off-cuts, reminds us that even the smallest scraps can spark big ideas. A quiet moment in the workshop becomes a celebration of form, texture, and imagination. Because sometimes, the most meaningful designs begin not with a blueprint, but with play!
In the rhythm of deadlines and design, we sometimes forget the power of stillness. Autumn reminds us that change is beautiful, and rest is essential. This season, we’re embracing the quiet moments. A walk among golden leaves. A breath of crisp
In the rhythm of deadlines and design, we sometimes forget the power of stillness. Autumn reminds us that change is beautiful, and rest is essential. This season, we’re embracing the quiet moments. A walk among golden leaves. A breath of crisp air. Because creativity doesn’t come from constant motion. It blooms in reflection, in presence, in connection.
Merry Christmas from Folia Architects! Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a wonderful start to the New Year.
Devon red earth makes Devon red puddles...
Out on a new eco house site visit last week and we had the excuse to visit the beautiful village of Ashburton. The sign-writing for the all the independent shops especially @wearebriarbakery and @gnashcomics makes it a really charming village! Thank The light outside the studio looked incredible this morning, looking forward to sharing some ideas we're working on soon! The Old Coach House; this project used rough sawn larch cladding of various widths, left untreated it shows the patina of time. We love the texture and variation the boards create when the low sun shines across them! Breaking ground - it was an exciting week on site this week. It's the first step in creating a light-filled space that is open to the views. These banks will be re-planted with the ferns that were put aside before the works started and a wildflower m A sketch from an early project; Bicester Passivhaus Plus Co-Working office space. There were two big drivers: - Low energy / Net Zero - Architecture that fosters the creation of community Run by TownSq, it is now a thriving business space, fosteri Lately we’ve had the privilege of working alongside a community farm, a field-to-fork initiative. The passion, the care, the shared effort…When local voices guide design, something special happens. Places begin to carry identity. They fe This miniature streetscape, created from timber off-cuts, reminds us that even the smallest scraps can spark big ideas. A quiet moment in the workshop becomes a celebration of form, texture, and imagination. Because sometimes, the most meaningful de In the rhythm of deadlines and design, we sometimes forget the power of stillness. Autumn reminds us that change is beautiful, and rest is essential. This season, we’re embracing the quiet moments. A walk among golden leaves. A breath of crisp