Happy when it rains

Not only can a rainwater harvesting system be a first line of defence against flooding, it can also help you achieve long term sustainability in our unpredictable climate. Jae Lester of RainWater Harvesting explains In recent years the UK has... View Article

It’s time for timber

Andrew Orriss of the Structural Timber Association explains the basics around choosing structural timber, and why it holds so much promise for self-builds, particularly on sustainability grounds Structural timber is now used across over a quarter of all new homes... View Article

The benefits of dual-certificated fire doorsets

Architects and specifiers selecting fire doors for residential buildings need to be confident that they will perform as they should. That is where third-party certification makes a difference. Door-Stop International has launched its new Fire and Security Dual-Certificated Doorset; a... View Article

Passive Ventilation: A Fresh Perspective on an Old Strategy

It’s well established the traditional workplace must change in the aftermath of COVID-19, but what does this mean beyond the interior layouts and flexible working schemes?  A quick online search reveals the architectural spotlight which has recently been cast on... View Article

VitrA launches new ranges at ISH

VitrA Bathrooms is taking part in this year’s ISH Digital exhibition, exhibiting several of their designer collaboration ranges as well as two new ranges due to be launched in the UK later this year – ArchiPlan and Root. ArchiPlan offers... View Article

Tiling to Anhydrite Screeds

Find out all you need to know about specifying the correct products for tiling to calcium sulphate/anhydrite screeds to avoid installation failure. Anhydrite screeds are gypsum (calcium sulphate) based flow screeds made of a gypsum binder, aggregate and mixing water... View Article

Small is beautiful

With an increasing value being placed on outdoor spaces, Ronan O’Dowd of Acheson & Glover shares his top tips on how to make the most of a small garden The Covid-19 pandemic brought a new appreciation for our outdoor space,... View Article

Forming an opinion

Chris Stride at ICFA discusses why self-builders, particularly those looking to maximise energy efficiency, should consider building with Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) If you’ve been researching your new build project recently you will notice that the spotlight is currently on... View Article

Structural warranties – a guide

Advantage Home Construction Insurance (AHCI) navigates through the often complex world of structural warranties required by mortgage firms, providing some clarity for self-builders A structural defects warranty (also known as latent defects insurance) covers defects affecting newly built properties. Structural... View Article

Versatile wet rooms

Neil Whitehead from Impey offers insights into how to create the ideal wetroom or wet area shower space for every size and style of home The coveted wetroom shower space has many guises and, when thoughtfully planned and installed, can... View Article