Outset Think

Outset Think

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We are a boutique residential architecture practice specialising in contemporary homes and Certified Passive House design.

We create beautiful and energy-efficient homes that combine exceptional architecture with outstanding comfort and performance.

07/07/2026

"Why hire an architect?"
It's a question that comes up often, especially when planning applications can seem straightforward.
But a planning application is only one small part of creating a successful home.
A good architect doesn't just draw plans.
We listen to how you want to live, challenge assumptions, solve complex design problems, maximise the potential of your site, navigate planning policy, coordinate consultants, consider construction costs, improve energy performance, and create spaces that continue to delight you for decades.
Could someone submit a planning application for less?
Absolutely.
But your home is likely to be one of the biggest investments you'll ever make. Choosing the right professional isn't just about securing permission—it's about creating a home that works beautifully, performs efficiently and adds lasting value.
At Outset Think, we believe great architecture should improve the way you live, not simply help you obtain planning permission.

Photos from Outset Think's post 28/03/2026

I realised today how quietly some of the best work sits in the background.

This project was featured internationally and nominated for Building of the Year 2024… and Silviu never really talks about it.
He just moves on to the next project, the next detail, the next idea.
I think that’s rare — and worth sharing.

📐 Sandway House, UK
Architecture: Outset Think

28/03/2026

💧 Water quality in the home — small detail or big impact?
After talking about why water matters, the next question is simple:
What does it actually affect?
Beyond drinking, water quality plays a quiet but important role in daily life — from personal comfort to the performance and longevity of building systems.
In many homes, issues like limescale, wear on systems, and maintenance are only noticed over time.
Thoughtful design looks at these aspects early — not as add-ons, but as part of creating homes that are durable, comfortable and easier to live in.
📐 Good design often comes down to the details we don’t immediately see.

01/01/2026

💧 Beyond energy efficiency: why water matters too
A truly sustainable home isn’t just about low energy use — it’s also about health, comfort and long-term wellbeing.
Water quality plays a role in everyday life, from drinking and cooking to bathing and laundry, yet it’s often overlooked during the design or renovation process.
At Outset Think, we believe good design considers the whole picture. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing insights on how water systems can be thoughtfully integrated into homes — alongside energy-efficient and Passive House principles.
📐 Design-led. Evidence-based. Human-centred.

20/12/2025

🏡From sketch to home.
This is how ideas take shape long before construction begins.

Call now to connect with business.

16/12/2025

Thinking of buying a house to renovate or extend?

Before choosing finishes or fixing rooms one by one, it’s worth stepping back and looking at the bigger picture.

Good design at the start can:
• improve layout and flow
• bring in more natural light
• avoid costly changes later
• add long-term value

At Outset Think, we help clients see the potential before they commit.

Photos from Outset Think's post 11/12/2025

✨ From a Tight Kitchen to a Smart, Optimised Space — Designed & Built by Silviu

When we renovated our old home, the kitchen was one of the most challenging spaces: small footprint, awkward corners, zero storage.
But Silviu loves a challenge.

Here’s what he did:

✔ Custom-built cabinetry to match our family’s exact needs
✔ A hidden appliance cupboard (my favourite!) — all the gadgets tucked away but instantly accessible
✔ Integrated dining nook & shelving to use every bit of space
✔ Smart lighting & material choices to make the room feel bigger and brighter
✔ A layout that flows beautifully, even though the space was tight

This wasn’t just a kitchen renovation — it was a perfect example of how good design + smart building can transform the way you live in your home.

If you’re planning a renovation or a self-build, and want a home that works for you, not against you… Silviu can help you rethink your space in ways you didn’t even know were possible.

Message us if you’d like help optimising your home.

08/12/2025

🏡🔨Thinking about renovating or extending your home next year?
Here are the 3 things homeowners always wish they knew earlier:
✨ 1️⃣ Planning takes longer than you think
Between surveys, drawings, planning permission and structural details, a realistic timeframe is 8–12 weeks, not a few days.
✨ 2️⃣ Costs vary massively depending on design choices:
Windows, doors, roof type and insulation level can change your budget by £10K–£40K.
A good design can save you thousands (and avoid surprises).
✨ 3️⃣ Energy efficiency matters more than anything in 2025
Insulation, airtightness and orientation can reduce your bills by up to 90%.
Most homeowners only think of the layout, not the comfort and running costs.
🏡 At OutsetThink, we design extensions and eco-homes that feel warm, bright and efficient — without wasting your budget.
If you're planning a renovation in 2025 and want to avoid expensive mistakes,
send us a message — always happy to offer advice.

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Address


Reading
RG13

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm