Build towards net zero at Futurebuild

Futurebuild, which has championed sustainability in the built environment for the past 16 years (including in its former guise, Ecobuild), returns to ExCel on 1-3 March. It will connect specifiers, decision makers, major brands and start-ups from across the industry... View Article

Rooted in users’ experience

Grimshaw is leading a team to deliver a highly-integrated transport hub at Shenzhen airport, in a structure and circulation strategy inspired by mangrove trees In April 2021, a design consortium led by Grimshaw, and including Mott MacDonald, China Aviation Planning... View Article

Flexible solutions for changing generations

Ann Boardman of Saniflo discusses ideas for flexible living spaces including flexible bathroom options It’s well known that basements, lofts and unused spaces can be successfully converted into rooms that add value and practicality to a home. Even when a... View Article

Fireproofing green roofs

Julian Thurbin of modular green roof solutions supplier Wallbarn discusses the issues around ensuring fire performance of ‘living’ roofs and how to achieve compliance A key consideration for architects working on green roof projects has always been the load-bearing capability... View Article

Ask the Architect: John Rhodes of HOK

LISTEN HERE 🔊 With extensive experience in arena and stadium design, John Rhodes of HOK explains what drives him, and how the pandemic has forced designers to ‘futureproof’ major facilities What made you want to become an architect? I think... View Article

Stream of consciousness

LISTEN HERE 🔊 With even greater proliferation of film and TV content across a growing range of streaming platforms since the pandemic, there’s huge demand for sustainable production facilities in the UK. Jason Lebidineuse of Scott Brownrigg and Michael Davis... View Article

View Point: Nigel Ostime of Hawkins\Brown (Part 2)

LISTEN HERE 🔊 In the second of two articles, Nigel Ostime of Hawkins\Brown provides a comprehensive guide on managing a Pre-Construction Services Agreement to get the best outcome for architects and their clients In last month’s edition, I explained what a... View Article

Pumping up radiators’ profile

Chris Harvey of Stelrad Radiator Group examines the relationship between radiators and heat pumps, and how they might be able to work effectively together in future The recent announcement from the Government of a £5,000 grant available from April 2022... View Article

Rendering life-long success

Matthew Allen of Sika discusses the key considerations when specifying render to ensure that a long life, as well aesthetically pleasing, result is achieved A building’s external surface is integral to its overall design success. For many, deciding on the... View Article

Minimising fire risk on the ‘fifth facade’

Will Wigfield from Rockwool shares best practice advice on how to limit fire risk in flat roof constructions, and explains the limitations of current testing protocols for flat roof insulation While flat roofs have long been used to house plant... View Article

Steps to balancing safety and aesthetics

Kevin Underwood at the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) looks at how to balance the important twin drivers of aesthetics and safety in staircase design It’s no surprise that aesthetic considerations are often the key driver behind staircase selection. The BWF’s... View Article

View Point: Nigel Ostime of Hawkins\Brown (Part 1)

LISTEN HERE 🔊 In the first of two articles, architect and partner at Hawkins\Brown Nigel Ostime looks at how Pre-Construction Services Agreements (PCSAs) can better engage contractors to tackle issues early on, and offers advice on what to tell clients... View Article

Practice Profile: Lead8

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Multidisciplinary practice Lead8 has ascended quickly to global status since founding in 2014, picking up numerous accolades along the way. ADF’s Tom Boddy speaks to co-founders Christine Hau and David Buffonge Despite being among the 100 top... View Article

Back to the surface in 2022!

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Following the cancellation of 2021’s entry, the Surface Design Show returns to the Business Design Centre in London from 8-10 February, exploring innovation The design industry will once again be able to meet in person and get updated on... View Article

Ventilation in hospitals: how to address the new guidance

by Roy Jones, Technical Director @ Gilberts Blackpool Creation, refurbishment and upgrading of healthcare facilities is facing interesting times. The Government has ramped up plans to build new hospitals and now announced additional funding  for operating theatres, to increase their... View Article

Water savings in the balance

Richard Bateman at RWC UK looks at how thermal balancing valves help minimise water waste in larger buildings, as the pressure grows to save resources Wasting water is a particular problem in big buildings that use recirculating hot water systems... View Article

Traditional is the new modern

Tom Wright of George Barnsdale explores the use of timber in ‘minimalist’ designs “We must recognise the importance of timber in overcoming our climate challenge,” David Warburton wrote to his fellow MPs recently. On paper, politicians are making the right... View Article

Access best practice

Alastair Stannah from Lifts Distribution & Service (UK) discusses best practice specification for making public buildings fully accessible for all users Driving best practice for accessibility in commercial and public buildings are the legal framework; the Building Regulations, Part M... View Article