Something old and something new

The new University of Cumbria is not lacking in character and history – and architects are helping it get the message across, as James Pringle reports. The University of Cumbria may be a newcomer to British higher education, but it... View Article

It’s time to put fabric first

According to Peter Wilcox, technical manager at insulation specialist Recticel, the construction industry has a problem. It’s a problem that affects us all – whether designers, contractors or occupants – new buildings aren’t meeting their designed energy efficiency targets. The... View Article

Using modular balustrade systems in your designs

With modular solutions that increase efficiency and reduce carbon footprint, contemporary balustrade design is at the forefront of modern methods of construction. Jason Hensey, national sales manager at Neaco, explains the benefits of modular systems and the key considerations involved... View Article

Are you ready to specify an oak framed building?

Sarah Sell, sales manager at English Heritage Buildings, looks at what to consider when specifying an oak framed building. Traditional oak frame buildings are making a resurgence in the market as discerning customers look to achieve beauty, style and green... View Article

Growing concerns

With increased demand for grass paving to driveways, access roads and parking for both commercial and domestic applications, there are certain aspects of both ground conditions and utilisation that building specifiers and installers should consider. By Robert Howden, managing director... View Article

Glass trends

Rebecca Clayton, technical sales executive at IQ Glass looks at the changing trends in glazing, due largely to constant innovations in technology. As in all elements of design, trends change over time. This is therefore true of architectural glazing. Various things throughout all... View Article

Too green to build?

So determined was a Peterborough school to gain a BREEAM Very Good rating that it had become too expensive to construct. Mark Smulian hears how the architects adapted the design Any architect in pursuit of a BREEAM rating has a formidable... View Article

A destination in its own right

London Heathrow Airport’s new, wave-roofed Terminal 2 building – The Queen’s Terminal – opened for business this month. Ray Philpott looks at architect Luis Vidal’s vision for this high-profile icon of air travel Architect Luis Vidal says he wants London... View Article

Seeing light – differently

There are clear benefits to using LED lighting in exterior applications but it’s important to understand how LEDs differ from traditional light sources. Terry Dean, managing director of DW Windsor, explains In the last few years, LED light sources have... View Article

Standing the test of time

Richard Brown, category marketing manager at Wienerberger, explains how the versatility of clay, combined with its inherent properties, makes it an extremely viable and attractive choice for specifiers and architects Most know of the inherent solidity and security associated with the... View Article

Transparent about translucency

Paul Jackson, technical director at Rodeca, explains how translucent polycarbonate panels have evolved to be a viable alternative to glass Recent advanced testing and developments in thermoplastic engineering are now positioning translucent polycarbonate panels as a serious, if previously overlooked,... View Article

Hybrid taking education to the next level

By Steve Wightman, director, Senior Architectural Systems Despite the Building Schools for the Future programme being scrapped due to cuts in 2010, there is still a commitment on the part of the government to modernise the UK’s education infrastructure. This... View Article

Changing daylight

Architect Christopher Sykes examines how Structura engineers and constructs glass and translucent solutions for maximising the benefits of daylighting Daylighting through the creative use of wall or roof glazing radically changes building envelope design and the ambience of interiors. It... View Article

Throwing new light on station design

Intelligent use of glass and translucent products is helping to shape contemporary railway architecture, writes Ray Philpott The reborn, luminous masterpieces of St Pancras International and London King’s Cross stations are high-profile symbols of the railway renaissance that’s gripping Britain.... View Article

Making connections

A light-filled atrium designed by Ryder Architecture is central to the Scottish Crime Campus’ bespoke facility When the Scottish government commissioned the Scottish Crime Campus, the driving purpose was to create a secure campus, which would enable closer and more joined... View Article

Art meets architecture in Mayfair

Ray Philpott looks at the unique commercial development that’s a perfect fit for London’s Savile Row, famed for its bespoke tailoring Modern office and retail buildings frequently incorporate showpiece works of public art somewhere on the premises to endow them... View Article

Village concept at heart of cancer centre

Jess Unwin reports on the new £160 million state-of-the-art facility emerging at St Guy’s Hospital in London A place less like a hospital and on a human scale – but a place that still reassures patients they’ll get the treatment... View Article