Site Lines: A natural train of thought

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Irina Adam of Twelve Architects & Masterplanners describes an adaptive reuse project in Manchester which transformed a Victorian viaduct into a nature-rich public amenity The rise in prominence of cities in the global economy over the past... View Article

A watertight wetroom

Ian Knifton of Schlüter-Systems discusses how best to approach a wetroom specification to ensure the correct design for a watertight finish Wetrooms can be a great addition to both residential properties and those within the hospitality sector. Many homeowners consider... View Article

Singapore’s central park

A major mixed-use skyscraper with a difference is approaching completion in Singapore’s central business district – the facades of this richly diverse ‘vertical city’ by Bjarke Ingels Group opens up to reveal generous and highly usable green spaces. James Parker... View Article

Renewed sense of purpose

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Arup believes that its redevelopment of the workplace it designed in the 1990s in West London, including a refurbished facade, will save 40,000 tonnes of carbon compared with a new build approach. ADF’s Tom Boddy reports Situated... View Article

Building innovation

George Spreckley from the Brick Development Association reviews the projects shortlisted for the innovation category in this year’s Brick Awards The Brick Development Association was excited to once again host the Brick Awards after a busy but disrupted two years... View Article

Hidden in plain sight

LISTEN HERE 🔊 A new private residence overlooking a valley in the Czech Republic offers a seamless blend of expansive sight lines and privacy, but also a design that subtly disguises itself in its hilly site. Jack Wooler spoke to... View Article

A grand return

LISTEN HERE 🔊 What’s been called the UK’s biggest festival of construction, London Build, returns in style to Olympia London’s Grand Hall for a live experience on 17 and 18 November focusing on key issues such as diversity Much more... View Article

Ask the Architect: Rory Bergin

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Rory Bergin, a regular contributor to ADF, is an architect and offsite specialist who set up and runs the Sustainable Futures team at HTA Design. He leads a specialist team of architects and engineers analysing building performance,... View Article

Natural enhancements

Victoria Brocklesby at Origin shares insights on simple as well as more creative ways to maximise natural light in residential properties Natural light in a home has all kinds of benefits, including improving health and wellbeing, alongside performing the practical... View Article

HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT: AESTHETIC HOSTILE VEHICLE MITIGATION

The days of obtrusive concrete bollards are long gone. Instead, modern protective street furniture is now available in a wide range of materials and designs, which can complement any aesthetic vision. Here, Jaz Vilkhu, Managing Director from Marshalls Landscape Protection, discusses how... View Article

Meshing with design goals

Bringing bespoke creativity to life in applications from cladding, ceilings and roofs, to staircases and balustrades, metal mesh is being used to push design boundaries safely and sustainably. Anthony Millington of Amron Architectural explains further Architects and designers are always... View Article

Renewing social connections

The light-touch refurbishment of a brutalist city centre bus station in the Czech Republic belies the extent of a young Czech practice’s achievement, catalysing the transformation of a local eyesore into a building of renewed social value. James Parker reports... View Article

Wood you believe it?

Richard Besant of Powdertech Corby on how developments in wood finish powder coatings on aluminium are providing a popular and realistic alternative to wood, as materials shortages increase We have witnessed the increased use of architectural powder coatings to a... View Article

Safety in numbers

Dave Walker of Distinction Doors explores how early engagement between architects and product manufacturers will be key to helping the industry design and construct safer buildings, post-Grenfell When speaking with architects and other product manufacturers, one point which comes up... View Article

A copper-bottomed sustainability case

As well as wide applications in contemporary architectural design, there is more to copper than meets the eye when it comes to recyclability, sustainability and longevity, explains Graeme Bell of Aurubis Copper is a natural element found within the earth’s... View Article

Sealing concrete’s interior future

Architects and designers are broadening their concrete horizons – firmly cementing the time-honoured material’s place in ‘softer’ interior applications. Craig Bell from Osmo provides advice on maintaining its durability Trends in interior design change constantly, and it can be hard... View Article

Fire safety in the frame

David Atkinson from Metsec discusses the increased focus on through-wall fire testing post-Grenfell, and how steel framing systems can contribute to improved performance as well as thermal efficiency Light gauge galvanised steel framing systems (SFS) are primarily used for wall... View Article

Taking fencing to the next level

John Abernethie of Birkdale looks at how fencing has evolved beyond a functional element to help architects provide increasingly in-demand, attractive outdoor spaces for clients Outdoor areas are becoming more important for both residential and commercial projects. The health and... View Article