Revamp, don’t replace

Lindsay Appleton of William Smith Group looks at how vinyl wrapping can enhance interior designs using architectural finishes, as part of the trend to reuse and recover furniture on sustainability grounds, rather than rip out and replace The trend for... View Article

Adaptive reuse, realised

LISTEN HERE Ben Heath, principal at Grimshaw, looks at how the practice returned to the Herman Miller factory in Bath to realise its original design intent of adaptive reuse, and harness the building’s flexibility to create a new school of... View Article

Get on board with fencing trends

LISTEN HERE Fencing products are now seen as an integral part of a garden’s overall landscape, and an important aesthetic choice. Antony Reed of Birkdale looks at the latest fencing trends, and explores design choices that can garner impressive visual... View Article

Playful participation

LISTEN HERE In designing a riverside replacement for Chelmsford’s main swimming pool and gym, Pick Everard followed a brief to increase local community participation. James Parker reports In 2014, Chelmsford City Council undertook a condition survey on the only sports... View Article

A HAPPI medium

LISTEN HERE Linden Court is PRP’s response to the Greater London Authority’s call for exemplar housing designed for retirement living. Project architect Mark Walker spoke to Sébastien Reed about how the HAPPI standard was key to the project’s success The Office... View Article

Adding clarity to curtain wall design

LISTEN HERE Andrew Cooper of Senior Architectural Systems takes a closer look ‘behind the curtain wall’ to reveal the key issues specifiers should consider when choosing aluminium fenestration solutions Aluminium is robust, durable and fully recyclable – a perfect partner... View Article

Addressing the construction climate emergency

Listen here Tom Bovan of Armatherm looks at the carbon agenda in the light of 2020 and 2050 emissions targets, and how insulation advances are key to innovating in building envelopes to assist the sector towards its goals In recent... View Article

Groundworks for private pumping stations

Listen here When gravity drainage from a property is not possible, a pumping station is usually required to pump wastewater and sewage to the public sewer. David Johnson of Pump Technology explores the correct specifications for pumping stations For single... View Article

Looks that last

Listen here Matthew Brook of Moduleo explains how luxury vinyl floors can help to ‘futureproof’ a property According to the Hiscox Renovations and Extensions Report 2018, 53 per cent of homeowners have carried out home improvement projects in the last... View Article

Finishes for the future

Listen here Steve Grimwood of Osmo UK provides an insight into the various benefits of wood flooring, and why specifiers should choose natural finish options Wooden flooring is a beautiful feature of any home, but it is important to understand... View Article

Getting rainscreen (bracket) details right

Listen here As rainscreens continue their popularity in both new builds and retrofits, David Fraser of SFS discusses the finer details behind these building envelope systems, and how correct bracket specification simplifies complex challenges There’s no doubt that rainscreens are... View Article

Sustainable surfaces

Listen here. Permeable external surfaces provide the starting point for sustainable surface water drainage (also known as SuDS), but concrete block permeable paving offers far more than flood prevention, explains Chris Hodson of Interpave It’s over three years since the... View Article

Bold as brass

Listen here. The project architect in charge of a new architecturally adventurous flagship retail store in the German city of Wuppertal explains to Jack Wooler how the practice went about revitalising a large brownfield site, and created a unique retail... View Article

Getting to grips with daylighting

Listen here. Gary Dean of OnLevel UK explores the importance of daylighting in building design and the benefits of specifying glass clamps to help facilitate it Ensuring your home, workplace or recreational space maximises the use of natural light is... View Article

A clearer view of safety

Listen here. Among the functions performed by glass and glazing systems as part of the building envelope, fire safety and protecting lives are critical. Darren Wainwright of SE Controls explains systems’ roles in addressing smoke control and compliance issues Within... View Article