Offsite: Not the panacea?

The Government is making a big push for modern methods of construction as part of the solution to the housing crisis. While offsite has a key role in the market, it might not be the panacea many hope it to... View Article

Practice Profile: Maber Architects

After recently turning 35, well-established practice Maber decided to reinvent and ‘reboot’ itself, James Parker spoke to managing director Ian Harris to find out why Maber Architects was founded by keen cricketer Colin Maber in Nottingham in 1983, and as... View Article

The power to choose

An award-winning Passivhaus Plus in Buckinghamshire is being hailed as a game-changer in terms of showing how smart homes can function as green ‘power stations.’ Sarah Kassam of CIBSE explains the design behind the project The winner of the residential... View Article

Opening the door to enhanced efficiency and aesthetics

Aesthetics, longevity and security are all key areas to consider when specifying entrance doors, but with continued increases in energy costs, the role of thermal efficiency is taking precedence in the design process, reports David O’Mara of Hörmann UK Entrance... View Article

Addressing critical interfaces

Andrew Mitchell of NBT (Natural Building Technologies) discusses the challenges of achieving design integrity at building interfaces, for insulation or air-tightness The role of the architect in the design and construction process has changed over the years, with many of the... View Article

Shades apart

Louise Martin-Bennett of Fordingbridge discusses why an increased focus on user wellbeing is meaning that shading systems are more in demand than ever With continued focus on user wellbeing, client specification of shade systems is now commonplace in UK architecture.... View Article

Watertight basement solutions

Alex Burman of Sika discusses the key guidance, and technology options, for specifiers looking to achieve watertight concrete basement constructions When beginning a basement construction or renovation, the waterproofing standard of BS 8102:2009 is key. It recommends and provides guidance... View Article

View Point: Dr Gavin Dunn

Dr Gavin Dunn of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) looks at how the discipline of the ‘the golden thread’ from the Hackitt review is fundamental to ensuring building safety from design through construction to occupation One of the... View Article

Flexibility and agility

A new sports centre forms a key part of an ongoing masterplan at Oxford University’s iconic Iffley Road Sports Complex, where Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile. James Parker reports on a highly flexible space with an innovative glass floor... View Article

An open book

An adaptive reuse project in a former Netherlands train depot is being hailed as a sign of things to come for public libraries, with an open design that provides a lot more than just bookshelves. Jack Wooler reports Located in... View Article

One step ahead

Lee Hunt of Canal architectural explains how housebuilders and specifiers can get one step ahead with the latest staircase trends. Staircase design, as with all interior design, is constantly evolving, and new design trends are continually emerging. The staircase is... View Article

A breath of fresh air

Vent-Axia’s Jordan Lilford explains the challenges the Government’s Clean Air Strategy presents for housebuilders, as well as looking at potential solutions. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is increasingly important following a raft of research that has pointed to the potential health... View Article

Flexible & functional

Stuart Reynolds of AKW discusses how social landlords can build flexibility into their housing stock for both able and disabled tenants A major piece of research by the Smith Institute forecasts that by 2034 there will be 170,000 more residents... View Article

Compact kitchens

For landlords and specifiers in social housing, there is a constant quest for balancing budgets with longevity throughout their properties – particularly when it comes to kitchens. Bob Andrew of Elfin Kitchens explains how the latest pre-built compact kitchens offer... View Article

The key to everything

Victor D’Allancé of Intratone explains how intelligent access control systems can keep maintenance simple for housing managers and provide the best security for tenants Managers of apartment blocks and those in charge of access to social housing face similar problems... View Article

Making key management easy

Tim Hill from Keyzapp explains how combining contactless tags and cloud-based software helped two housing associations solve an age-old problem For housing associations key management can be a real headache. Keeping track of hundreds or even thousands of keys is... View Article

Intelligent tanks

David White of Mixergy explains why housing associations and landlords should consider installing intelligent hot water tanks, detailing the vast array of benefits they can bring both landlords and tenants We now live in a world where macro industry themes... View Article

Lending is fit and well. How are you?

Stephen O’Brien of Wolsey explores the role of SME housebuilders in meeting the Government’s housing targets, and how specialist lenders can aid this process. More homes were delivered to the market last year than in all but one of the... View Article

Acoustic Glass – A sound investment?

Tom Wright of George Barnsdale explains the difference between acoustic glass varieties, and provides examples of where increased investment is worth it. Increasingly, window manufacturers are being asked by developers and specifiers about the acoustic performance of windows and doors.... View Article

Efficiency and safety, in synergy

Kevin Belben of water management specialists Cistermiser and Keraflo discusses the evolution of water temperature monitoring systems, and how the Internet of Things can offer the healthcare sector efficiency savings as well as patient safety benefits A tax-funded NHS is... View Article