Architects Datafile

Editor’s comment – March

It may have been a battleground since time immemorial, but recently the territory between architects and ‘heritage’ groups has seen some fierce exchanges. Added to this however have been  unusually heated words directed by architects against their peers. Never one to... View Article

View Point – Sonal Rathod from PLP

Sonal Rathod from PLP comments on the impact that Brexit is having on the firm, which currently employs a large number of EU staff. Employees from the EU bring a breadth of international experience and different schools of thought to... View Article
modular

An education in modular buildings

Andy King of Wernick Buildings gives a lesson in how modular construction can delivering the extra space schools need for the future, without added disruption. With pupil numbers in UK schools forecasted to increase over the coming years, space is... View Article
Fifty shades of green – Fabian Kaiser, director of ZinCo

Fifty shades of green

Green roofs have proven benefits but care must be taken when choosing from the different types of systems available, says ZinCo Green Roof Systems director Fabian Kaiser. From creating green havens in concrete-dominated cities to safeguarding the waterproofing system of... View Article
Washrooms: Specifying for high performance

Specifying for high performance

Vernon Charles of Prospec offers a route through the specification minefield for washrooms, its surface materials and storage. Wowing visitors with bespoke design and elaborate finishes in washrooms can boost brand identity and cement a business’ reputation. But while manufacturers... View Article

Securely in control

Electronic access control systems can enhance security by offering a centralised solution to building management. Systems manufacturer Paxton explains further. The protection of employees and assets is a priority for any business, so an adequate access control system can go... View Article
Timber

Site Lines – Predictions of success

James Parker uncovers how the predictable quality offered by off-site construction using timber is being seen as a key part of solving the housing crisis. Modular construction is the hot topic currently, against the backdrop of the need to increase... View Article

Practice Profile – Pellings

Norman Hayden traces the growth of Pellings, a practice with a well-defined design vision, and a clear focus on balancing affordability with functionality and beauty. Architects tend to project their vision slightly cryptically across their branding, so it’s somewhat unusual... View Article

Solid credentials

Brian Newell of Shackerley explains how ceramic granite can transform buildings thanks to a mixture of durability and design versatility. Ventilated facade cladding is well proven and widely used as an aesthetically versatile approach to completing the building envelope, also... View Article

Fire safety in multi-storey buildings is a hot issue

Tim Vincent of Rockwool explains why specifiers should consider non-combustible stone wool insulation in multi-storey buildings. Buildings over 18 metres in height present numerous challenges when it comes to insulation requirements and fire safety standards. Given that most fires occur... View Article
Passivhaus: Going for the ‘gold standard’

Going for the ‘gold standard’

How ‘zero compromise’ do architects need to be when designing envelopes to the Passivhaus standard and are aesthetic, and other compromises necessary? Sarah Johnson reports on the challenges involved. The Passivhaus standard The Passivhaus standard is often seen as the... View Article
Sealing the deal of airtightness

Sealing the deal of airtightness

Iain Fairnington of the A.Proctor Group, discusses how the performance of the building envelope can be improved through airtight membranes. The need for airtightness is driven by the global challenge to reduce carbon emissions and the drive to create more... View Article
Green Building Envelopes – Sally Armour, Arup

Greening the envelope

Senior landscape architect at Arup, Sally Armour discusses weaving health and resilience into our cities through green building envelopes. Increasingly, the human population is becoming more urbanised – and by the end of the century it is estimated that 7... View Article

CDM 2015: how to comply

In April 2015, the main set of regulations for managing the health, safety and welfare of construction projects was replaced. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) were last updated in 2007, so the most recent update has put several... View Article

BSRIA responds to Prime Minister’s speech

In response to a speech by the Prime Minister on the UK’s future relationship with the EU, Julia Evans, BSRIA Chief Executive, said: “The Prime Minister, Theresa May, altered the political and economic landscape. It is fair to say that BSRIA... View Article

Bridging the gap between architects and contractors

By Tony Owen, Novus Property Solutions. Ask any architect how they feel about their faith in contractors to work accurately to a brief, and you’ll see some raised eyebrows. Ask a contractor about their relationship with architects, and you’ll likely... View Article

Managing risk in megaprojects

By Steve Cooper, general manager UK and Ireland at Aconex. ‘Megaproject’ is the term applied to multibillion-dollar investment projects such as vast railways, airports, highways or huge entertainment venues. Such schemes can be economically transformative for a country. Consider the Panama Canal... View Article

Elmhurst Energy welcomes publication of the Bonfield Report

Energy performance measurement specialists Elmhurst Energy has welcomed the publication of the long-awaited “Each Home Matters” report by Peter Bonfield, but has expressed disappointment at some omissions. Despite having the scope of reviewing ‘Consumer Advice, Protection, Standards and Enforcement for... View Article