Be the catalyst for change

The organisers of FutureBuild 2020 are looking to inspire architects to join fellow industry leaders and innovators at this year’s event to be the “catalyst for change” that’s needed to help deliver a more sustainable built environment Futurebuild’s conference returns... View Article

Ask the Architect: Alberto Basaglia

Alberto Basaglia, co-founder of Italian firm Basaglia + Rota Nodari Studio, answers ADF’s questions on what influences his designs, the importance of balance, and sustainability Why did you become an architect? When I was a kid, I made a sofa-exercise-bike... View Article

Bold as brass

Listen here. The project architect in charge of a new architecturally adventurous flagship retail store in the German city of Wuppertal explains to Jack Wooler how the practice went about revitalising a large brownfield site, and created a unique retail... View Article

Two views of the river

Listen here. A new pier has opened for the Thames’ main river taxi which provides new public space as well as vital transport infrastructure, in a design which divides the structure into two to make the most of its location.... View Article

Sound advice on architectural glazing

Enhanced acoustic requirements are becoming a commonplace consideration in contract documents, says Mark Hargreaves of Technal, who discusses glazing strategies to mitigate noise and the correct approach to acoustic design As a main element to most buildings, the glazed openings... View Article

Getting to grips with daylighting

Listen here. Gary Dean of OnLevel UK explores the importance of daylighting in building design and the benefits of specifying glass clamps to help facilitate it Ensuring your home, workplace or recreational space maximises the use of natural light is... View Article

Lighting the way to sustainability

William McDowell of Hambleside Danelaw explains how recent innovations in GRP rooflights can help specifiers contribute towards BREEAM and sustainability It is impossible to be unaware of the drive to increase our sustainability in building design. However, many architects are... View Article

Glass built to last

Susan Sinden of ESG Group explains why glass advances make the material one of the most versatile for creating modern, attractive and secure environments Toughened glass was an important development early in the 20th Century – because it shattered into... View Article

A clearer view of safety

Listen here. Among the functions performed by glass and glazing systems as part of the building envelope, fire safety and protecting lives are critical. Darren Wainwright of SE Controls explains systems’ roles in addressing smoke control and compliance issues Within... View Article

Get your cladding quality right

John Russell of Russwood explains why using a premium quality timber cladding, along with the right fixing system, is vital to ensure your cladding looks good for the long term The popularity of timber as a cladding material is on... View Article

Be a septic sceptic!

Dave Vincent of Kingspan Klargester breaks down everything that self-builders need to know about the ins and outs of off-mains drainage, from legal issues to the variety of options available Building a home in a quiet rural setting offers the... View Article

Safe as well as sustainable stoves

Erica Malkin of the Stove Industry Alliance takes a look at the key considerations for self-builders looking to enjoy a wood burning stove in their new home, including recent changes in legislation Wood burning stoves offer a low carbon, renewable... View Article

Future-proofed design

John Alimi of Stiltz Homelifts explains why it’s imperative self-builders think ahead when designing their home in order to create a ‘home for life’ It is now far easier to be presented with options for a self-build project or major... View Article

Open to a fresh lifestyle

Richard Atkins, design director at DesignSpace London, shares tips on how to create open plan kitchen living for your project Traditionally, kitchens were hidden from view, with meals prepared out of sight and doors firmly shut between the cooking area... View Article

More than just homes

A new £6m Places for People social community is being handed over in Salford, Greater Manchester. Michael Dong, CEO of developer Investar Proper ty Group, and Mike Watson, director of housebuilder Watson Homes, walk Jack Wooler through the Melody Gardens... View Article

Concrete and the circular economy

Chris Stanley of the Concrete Block Association explains where concrete can fit into a circular economy, and help to boost sustainable housebuilding. Talk of the circular economy has penetrated every part of the construction industry recently, and rightly so. The... View Article

Bathroom style statements

John Brooks of Lecico discusses changing bathroom design trends, and the impact that tV and other influences have had on consumers’ demands. At the end of a busy day, many people are keen to get home, kick off their shoes... View Article

A change for the better

Listen here Heidi and John Exley moved into the house of their dreams near Doncaster – and then modernised it beyond all recognition with the help of a local architect TEXT & IMAGES HEATHER DIXON For years Heidi Exley had... View Article

Sliding doors, made simple

Listen here Steve Bromberg of Express Bi-Folding Doors outlines the essential factors for self-builders who are considering sliding doors – from size limitations to energy efficiency OTHER THAN SAVING SPACE, WHAT BENEFITS CAN SLIDING DOORS OFFER OVER BI-FOLDS? The main... View Article