Absorb the ‘sponge city’ theory

With recent flooding reminding everyone of the results of climate change and sealing up urban areas, Chris Hodson from trade body MPA Precast (Interpave) explains how taking collective responsibility for the issue is leading to a new ‘sponge city’ concept... View Article

Foiling the doubters

Daniel McKane from YBS Insulation explains the thermal and practical qualities which reflective multi-foil insulation solutions are developed to provide, and why these make them well suited for domestic applications in particular For contractors and architects on a domestic housing... View Article

Truly sustainable style in the bathroom

Tom Reynolds of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, urges specifiers to adopt accredited wood products to provide a genuinely sustainable bathroom solution for customers and the environment British consumers are increasingly attuned to the environmental impact of their choices, from packaging... View Article

Maintain a physical presence

Physical security systems are not a new concept, but they are equal in importance to cyber security measures when it comes to protecting people, property, and assets, as Roger Humphreys of Charter Global explains Historically, perimeter security mostly referred to the... View Article

ARCHITECT@WORK 2024

The architecture and design community in and around London will once again gather together in March at The Truman Brewery to explore the latest innovations available within the built environment at ARCHITECT@WORK London. Over 200 cutting-edge and vetted products and... View Article

Ask the Architect: Greg Blee

LISTEN HERE Greg Blee, founder of Blee Halligan, tells ADF how he found himself working in architecture almost by accident, and why he now focuses on creating projects overseas which blend into their landscapes What made you want to become... View Article

Industrial revelation

LISTEN HERE Dubbed the ‘grandparent of the skyscraper,’ the iron-framed former flaxmill in Shrewsbury has been brought back to life as a workplace and museum by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. James Parker reports on how they worked with Historic... View Article

Step by step collaboration

Ed Rhys-Hurn from Zakuna explains the benefits of collaboration with interior designers, architects and contractors early on in the stair design process to avoid challenges presented by design, regulations and installation issues Regardless of the chosen method of construction for... View Article

Healthy energy efficiency

In order to reach the 2050 net zero targets, building designers are faced with some tough choices. Louise McHugh of Vent-Axia explains how heat recovery ventilation can provide the efficiencies plus the right air quality, while avoiding overengineering Despite the... View Article

In support of brick’s appeal

Bricks, in conjunction with innovative masonry support systems, are building on their appeal as architects increasingly specify them across a wide range of new buildings. IG Masonry Support’s Andy Sharlot explains Modern brick slip products enable the creation of bespoke... View Article

Openings for a net zero future

The UK Government has proposed the Future Homes Standard to ensure new homes built from 2025 will produce 75-80% less carbon. Chris Armes from Liniar Design & Development offers advice on choosing windows and doors for low carbon development projects... View Article

Colour under consideration

Colour can play an important part in the identity of any building. Here, Elissa Turnbull from Saint-Gobain Weber shares her tips for specifying render From the brightly colourful houses rendered in Portobello Road, to the traditional Suffolk Pink, colour can... View Article

View Point: Shikha Bhardwaj from Hawkins/Brown

Shikha Bhardwaj from Hawkins/Brown says understanding whole life carbon is no longer a choice; it’s essential knowledge for architects on every project. She explains the standards which are emerging to embed carbon measurement into the industry We are all familiar... View Article

Practice Profile: T2S Architecture

LISTEN HERE Born in the pandemic, T2S Architecture embodies adaptability, cultural diversity, and a distinctive design ethos. Tom Boddy speaks to the founder about the pillars of the practice’s approach, in the context of the industry’s evolving challenges Founded in... View Article

A class of its own

An ambitious vision for a pioneering CLT Passivhaus primary school building in a historic part of Edinburgh was realised thanks to an open-minded team effort. Clara Garriga from architects Holmes Miller explains all to Roseanne Field Despite its grade-B listed... View Article

Cutting details down to psi

Jonathan Ducker from Kingspan Insulation GB explores how the industry has developed a range of details to assist specifiers pursuing higher thermal performance  As part of the recent updates to the energy efficiency requirements in the Building Regulations and Standards... View Article

Cladding colour trends

Looking at colour choices for the facades of a residential property or development, Lisa Grosse from Cedral looks at current trends which clients are buying into  The science of how different colours in our surroundings make an impact on how... View Article