Striking a balance

The importance of ventilation and ensuring a healthy and comfortable interior environment is an essential part of building design. Andy Moul from Construction Specialties (CS) looks at factors which need to be taken into consideration when specifying external louvres as part... View Article

Shining a light on embodied carbon

The lighting industry is changing fast in order to gear up for net zero – Tim Bowes from Whitecroft Lighting explains how supply chains are cutting embodied carbon The construction industry is often criticised for its slow pace of change,... View Article

Facing the threats

A growing range of perimeter security measures have been developed by industry to meet ever-changing security threats, with full accreditation to give specifiers and clients confidence. Sally Osmond from Frontier Pitts explains the options With a range of potential threats... View Article

Visible benefits

Light is more than just physical, it affects us biologically, and can significantly enhance our lives. Natalie Goodridge at Lamilux UK looks at the relative benefits of natural versus artificial light for occupant wellbeing While light gives biological benefits, there... View Article

In celebration of regulation

Dr Jonathan Evans from Ash & Lacy says that, far from stifling innovation in envelope design and cavity trays, the recent safety regulations actually put the UK on the verge of a ‘meritocracy’ that will benefit future buildings Contained in... View Article

Creative cavities

The requirement for an open cavity in ventilated facade systems can present a challenge when it comes to ensuring the passive fire safety of the building envelope. Graham Laws from Siderise Insulation looks at the issues, and suggests solutions Also... View Article

Ahead of the curve

As an alternative to revolving doors, automatic curved sliding doors are a great way of combining efficiency with a stunning focal point at a building’s entrance. James White from Record UK explains the options for specifiers Curved sliding door systems... View Article

Ask the Architect: Festus Moffat

Festus Moffat, director at John Robertson Architects (JRA), answers ADF’s questions on his motivations, and his practice’s future plans What made you want to become an architect? Growing up, I was always interested in drawing, and in art, and I... View Article

EAVES DRAINAGE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Here Kevin Wallis, Category Manager for Eaves Solutions at Marley Alutec highlights the factors that need to be considered when designing an effective eaves drainage system, including rainfall intensity, effective roof area (ERA) and gutter flow capacity. Along with increasingly... View Article

Specifying contract fabrics for care homes

Catherine Seville-Clare, Group Customer Relationship Manager at Panaz, one of Europe’s leading suppliers of contract fabrics, discusses the key factors architects should consider when specifying fabrics for care home applications. When selecting contract fabrics for care home applications, there are... View Article

Fit for the job, or forget

Steve D’Arcy of Visqueen examines how revised guidance around waterproofing make it vital to appoint a ‘fit for the job’ specialist as part of the design team – a crucial factor for avoiding pitfalls down the line Since BS 8102... View Article

Lifting the lid on water control

Carole Armstrong from Delabie provides some practical options for water controls in commercial washrooms, and looks at the specification challenges For building users, a visit to the washroom comprises three simple steps: use toilet, wash, hands, dry hands. As a... View Article

View Point: Michael Riebel of Hawkins\Brown

Architect and researcher at Hawkins\Brown, Michael Riebel describes a study that found how, compared with other commercial uses, creative workspace can be a vital ‘good neighbour’ that adds quantifiable value to residential schemes Like most large cities with high property... View Article

What do architects need to know about compartmentation?

For architects, an essential component of designing safe buildings is understanding the key principles of structural fire protection. In particular, the concept of compartmentation is key to the relationship between fire safety and building design. In this article, we’ll explore... View Article

An eye for detail

Jon Ducker from Kingspan Insulation explains the nuts and bolts of the Part L update – and why designers now need to pay even closer attention to the details In June, England introduced its first update to the energy efficiency... View Article

Practice Profile: Michael Kendrick Architects

Michael Kendrick explains how he navigated Covid to found a practice with what would be an award-winning approach to designing high-quality, sustainable homes Michael Kendrick has a background working in relatively large design firms such as Glenn Howells Architects and... View Article