Bespoke roof window solutions

Samantha Smith of Fakro GB discusses the ‘unrivalled’ choice that is now available across the UK roof window market Is the very way we are designing and building sustainable housing changing? Many of us spend around 90 per cent of... View Article

Technology benefits for all

Challenges can arise when specifying tailor made external door access solutions that suit a wide range of users. John Hardman of dormakaba reviews the solutions available, and how technology can help specifiers identify the right option Access control solutions have... View Article

Practice Profile: Shepheard Epstein Hunter

Shepheard Epstein Hunter may have garnered a strong reputation in its long history, from an initial focus on high quality public housing, but the practice hasn’t been resting on its laurels. James Parker spoke to two of its directors Evolving,... View Article

Climb every mountain

Challenged by steep topography, unspoilt alpine surroundings, and a devastating fire after its initial construction, the creation of a community sports and activity hall brought architect, client and locals together in the Swiss village of Le Vaud. Sébastien Reed speaks... View Article

All hands on deck

The UK’s official agency for shipping and Royal Navy data has a new headquarters in Somerset, designed to push collaboration to the fore, in an open and fluid structure enhanced by timber throughout. Jack Wooler reports on how the AHR-designed... View Article

Looking past the uncertainty

Gavin Knowles of Howarth Timber & Building Supplies on why scrutiny needs to be applied to ensure correct product specification, which is also being applied to the industry The construction sector is the second largest consumer of plastics behind retail,... View Article

Is your timber specification fit for purpose?

Janet Sycamore of the Timber Decking and Cladding Association discusses why and how the details of timber protection needs to be embraced to ensure specifications are always fit for purpose Knowledge of fire protection terminology in the design and build... View Article

Modification, innovation and sustainability

Dr Andy Pitman of Lignia Wood Company discusses how the UK timber industry is embracing change and innovating – for the benefit of the environment and the customer All over the world we are surrounded by wooden structures of all... View Article

Assured solutions in a crisis

Andrew Carpenter of the Structural Timber Association says that the timber solutions already exist for building the energy-efficient low-carbon dwellings the Government is calling for to address the housing crisis, now underpinned by robust assurances Offsite construction presents many new... View Article

Growing opportunities for specifying timber

Kevin Underwood of the British Woodworking Federation discusses the challenges as well as wide-ranging benefits of using wood as a construction material Wood, the world’s oldest and most traditional building material, is increasingly being re-evaluated as a modern-day first choice... View Article

Practice Profile: Maber Architects

After recently turning 35, well-established practice Maber decided to reinvent and ‘reboot’ itself, James Parker spoke to managing director Ian Harris to find out why Maber Architects was founded by keen cricketer Colin Maber in Nottingham in 1983, and as... View Article

The power to choose

An award-winning Passivhaus Plus in Buckinghamshire is being hailed as a game-changer in terms of showing how smart homes can function as green ‘power stations.’ Sarah Kassam of CIBSE explains the design behind the project The winner of the residential... View Article

Opening the door to enhanced efficiency and aesthetics

Aesthetics, longevity and security are all key areas to consider when specifying entrance doors, but with continued increases in energy costs, the role of thermal efficiency is taking precedence in the design process, reports David O’Mara of Hörmann UK Entrance... View Article

Addressing critical interfaces

Andrew Mitchell of NBT (Natural Building Technologies) discusses the challenges of achieving design integrity at building interfaces, for insulation or air-tightness The role of the architect in the design and construction process has changed over the years, with many of the... View Article

Shades apart

Louise Martin-Bennett of Fordingbridge discusses why an increased focus on user wellbeing is meaning that shading systems are more in demand than ever With continued focus on user wellbeing, client specification of shade systems is now commonplace in UK architecture.... View Article

Watertight basement solutions

Alex Burman of Sika discusses the key guidance, and technology options, for specifiers looking to achieve watertight concrete basement constructions When beginning a basement construction or renovation, the waterproofing standard of BS 8102:2009 is key. It recommends and provides guidance... View Article

View Point: Dr Gavin Dunn

Dr Gavin Dunn of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) looks at how the discipline of the ‘the golden thread’ from the Hackitt review is fundamental to ensuring building safety from design through construction to occupation One of the... View Article

Flexibility and agility

A new sports centre forms a key part of an ongoing masterplan at Oxford University’s iconic Iffley Road Sports Complex, where Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile. James Parker reports on a highly flexible space with an innovative glass floor... View Article

An open book

An adaptive reuse project in a former Netherlands train depot is being hailed as a sign of things to come for public libraries, with an open design that provides a lot more than just bookshelves. Jack Wooler reports Located in... View Article

Efficiency and safety, in synergy

Kevin Belben of water management specialists Cistermiser and Keraflo discusses the evolution of water temperature monitoring systems, and how the Internet of Things can offer the healthcare sector efficiency savings as well as patient safety benefits A tax-funded NHS is... View Article