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

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

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 residential buildings... View Article
Office design – placing nature in the mix

Office design – placing nature in the mix

Biophilic design has become firmly entrenched in the modern office psyche in recent years as the office evolves and we take on a more people-focused approach to its design. Cyril Parsons of Office Principles, considers the various means in which... View Article
Future-proofed design

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
Melody Gardens

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 Property Group, and Mike Watson, director of housebuilder Watson Homes, walk Jack Wooler through the Melody Gardens project.... View Article

Policy Exchange Report on Planning – expert comment

Following The Times’ story on the Policy Exchange report on planning and plans to overhaul the system, Paul Smith, MD of Strategic Land Group commented:  “The planning system is very recognisably the one that existed in 1947 when the socio-economic... 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 secretly... 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 benefit... View Article
Gill MacLeod – Renovation in Scotland

The fruits of determination

Listen here. Nothing was going to stop resourceful self-builder Gill MacLeod achieving the house of her dreams, a major renovation in rural Scotland TEXT JAYNE DOWLE IMAGES EMMA GRAY Clambering around a delivery depot in a hi-vis vest and hard hat,... View Article

An adventure by the sea

Listen here. Embarking on a self-build sans architect is not for the faint-hearted, but Joey and Charlotte Thomson decided to go the DIY route to creating their perfect coastal home TEXT & IMAGES EWEN MACDONALD In 2015 Joey Auger and Charlotte... View Article
Self-Build Case Study: Ian and Julie Perrin

An uphill battle

Self-Build Case Study: Ian and Julie Perrin were unsure about buying the ‘difficult’ plot of land they ended up building on in Montgomery, mid-Wales, but they convinced themselves to take the plunge TEXT ROSEANNE FIELD IMAGES NIKHILESH HAVAL | Listen... View Article

Preparing for changes to ADL

The construction industry is facing a number of significant regulation changes over the coming years, with the consultation to approved Document L (ADL) 2020 closing on 10 January set to introduce significant sustainability challenges. James Hulbert of Knauf Insulation looks... View Article