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

Sustainability strengths

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Nobody doubts the strength of steel as a construction material, but its qualities in the field of sustainability may be less immediately obvious, says Russell Ager from Crittall Windows It’s steel’s strength that makes the key contribution... View Article

The challenge of natural ventilation in urban areas

LISTEN HERE 🔊 John McComb from Reynaers Aluminium examines the challenges of naturally ventilating properties in high density urban areas, and how a collaboration on a new window design could offer a viable solution The population of cities globally is... View Article

Taking in the island scenery

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Architect Jane Burnside took on an unusually wide range of project roles to create her tranquil, contemporary home and workplace on the Isle of Mull, inspired by origami. Nik Hunter reports Introducing a contemporary building into a... View Article

Natural harmony

LISTEN HERE 🔊 In a new district of Shenzhen, a project to create a performing arts centre saw Rocco Design Architects use the coastal landscape as inspiration for a striking form in harmony with its context. Roseanne Field reports The... View Article

The devil is in the detail

Richard Richardson-Derry of GEZE UK looks at how a properly fitted fire door with the appropriate components can give occupants vital time to escape in the event of a fire Despite what most people believe, toxic smoke is the cause... View Article

Water neutrality can’t be an afterthought

Adam Dean from SDS raises the challenging question of reducing our water footprint and dives into the concept of water neutrality Are you familiar with the concept of water neutrality? The chances are, like most people, the term ‘carbon neutral’... View Article

Moisture management

Unmanaged excess subfloor moisture is the leading cause of floor failure and frequently results in delays to projects, major inconvenience and expense when remedial work is required. Stephen Boulton at F. Ball and Co provides crucial advice to guard against... View Article

Getting into the groove of decking

From designing an outdoor play or dining area to a nature reserve or urban development, carefully planned landscaping – including decking – has a role to play. Laura Qualters from Marley discusses Decking continues to be a popular way of... View Article

Bridge the thermal gap

Improving the thermal performance of building envelopes has become increasingly  important, and designers need to be aware of how significantly thermal bridges can compromise the value of insulation, says Simon Hill of Schöck A thermal bridge is a localised area of... View Article

Site Lines: A renewed focus on resilience

With demolishing structures being a carbon-intensive pursuit, Trevor Morriss, principal at architects SPPARC, explains why buildings must be constructed to stand the test of time as we race to reach carbon goals The embodied carbon released when a building is... View Article

High-quality student accommodation on the rise

Nicola Ball of architects KKA says that as universities face greater competition to attract students from both home and abroad, accommodation has become an important differentiator, which has led to standards rising across the country Student accommodation is not what... View Article

Sound advice for educational settings

Nigel Watkins of Rockfon shares some thoughts and guidance on specifying acoustic ceiling and wall solutions to help create the ideal conditions for successful study Schools and places for education are no longer where students simply sit in rows in... View Article

Flexible rooms for future learning

Neil Miller from QIC Trims looks at how the flexibility needed in modern education environments can be achieved by specifying glass partitions, meaning that teachers can be relieved of the need to alter the contents of a space A glass partition’s... View Article

Turning up the heat in the classroom

Heating is always a key consideration in any educational setting. Chris Harvey at Stelrad Radiator Group looks at the benefits of low surface temperature radiators as a safe and effective heating option In recent years funding has been available for... View Article

Natural choices for education ventilation

Karen Scrace of Passivent helps specifiers of education environments to choose between a natural or hybrid ventilation strategy in order to provide the right healthy environment for students Maintaining a good supply of fresh air within any communal space is... View Article

Ask the Manufacturer: The building blocks of success

To celebrate the family firm’s 75th anniversary, ADF contributor Jack Wooler talks to Giles de Lotbiniere, Chairman of block manufacturer Lignacite, about the company’s foundation, and what makes it special In 1947, retired ex-serviceman and engineer, Sir Edmond de Lotbiniere,... View Article

Learning through design

Rainscreen cladding systems are enabling architects to move away from the traditional school building design to create structures that inspire a new generation of students. Simon Gregory from Proteus Facades looks at the issue in detail School buildings have evolved... View Article