A new era for acoustics?

As schools return to some sort of normality, the time is right to examine the upcoming changes to acoustics standards, says Paul Absolon from CMS Danskin Acoustics For the uninitiated, BB93 performance standards are a government initiative created to ensure... View Article

Flat-out waterproofing success

Victoria Ramwell of Kemper System explains how liquid waterproofing solutions offer the long-term solutions that education buildings need for flat roofs, and the key considerations for specifiers Whether as part of a refurbishment or new build, waterproofing flat roofs on... View Article

Watertight concepts

Christopher Burbridge from Delta Membranes looks at the importance of concrete in below ground waterproofing, and the key factors for achieving a robust specification The restrictions Covid-19 will inflict on the construction industry, and how the pandemic might influence how... View Article

Cradle to compliance

Peter Rigby at Cellecta proposes a simple way to achieve high levels of acoustic insulation to meet Part E in concrete floors, while providing acceptable tolerances It is not uncommon to experience uneven substrates in both new and existing concrete floors,... View Article

Closing the gap on acoustic performance

Joe Cilia from finishes and interiors trade body FIS looks at how a new initiative helps improve the quality of interior acoustics through specifying and installing products based on proven and verified test data It is in all our interests... View Article

A safe bet for aesthetics and efficiency

With efficiency and aesthetics and well as safety being top priorities in domestic settings, Mark Lester of Hörmann UK discusses the key features fire doors need to have for residential projects The safety and security of property and its occupants... View Article

Cladding fit for the future

With the Government targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Paul Richards from Aquarian Cladding Systems looks at why brick cladding systems might prove to be an ideal solution With architects under pressure to be cleaner, faster, and safer, one of... View Article

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

Why specify a complete roof system?

Stuart Nicholson from Marley answers some of the key questions around specifying a complete roof system. With a greater focus on future liability, more frequent episodes of volatile weather and stronger British Standards safeguarding compliance, there are real benefits for... View Article

Get on board with fencing trends

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 results In... View Article

Adding clarity to curtain wall design

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 for modern-day... View Article

Addressing the construction climate emergency

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 years there’s... View Article

Groundworks for private pumping stations

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 or multiple... View Article

Looks that last

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 10 years,... View Article

Finishes for the future

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 that as... View Article

Getting rainscreen (bracket) details right

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 becoming ever... View Article

Automatic for the people

Listen here. Ken Price of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association looks at how access control is fast becoming part of a bigger ‘automatic solution’ – linking access control with automatic doors for improved safety, security and smart facilities management You... View Article

The wellness factor

Sophie Weston at Geberit explains the role that architects and designers can play in improving wellbeing, by helping create a sensory ‘sanctuary’ in the bathroom Wellbeing. We all know what it is – but just how many of us truly... View Article
Sustainable surfaces

Sustainable surfaces

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 Government chose... View Article