Climate control for students

When constructing or refurbishing educational buildings, the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system is key to providing an optimal living and learning environment. As David Simoes, brand manager with Zehnder explains, a good system means students can work, rest... View Article

Installing canopies and shelters in an educational environment

Installing products like canopies and shelters in schools can be both challenging and rewarding, but what are the main considerations when installing in an educational environment? SAS Shelters Managing Director Andy Swain shares his insights into manufacturing and installing products... View Article

Putting education on a firm footing

Guy Stanton, director, Nora Flooring Systems UK, highlights some of the useful qualities of rubber floor coverings in the educational environment. The physical environment has a strong influence on learning and with floor coverings forming a major component within the... View Article

Re-educating ourselves about space for staff

The interior design of office space within educational buildings is starting to become more innovative. Joel Barker, designer at Hunter Patel Creative Group, argues that architects, schools, colleges and universities increasingly need to be imaginative when it comes to creating... View Article

Construction safety should never be compromised comments BSIF

The recent (21st October 2015) BBC Newsnight investigation into the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card brings the health and safety of UK construction workers into focus. Commenting on the investigation, Alan Murray, BSIF CEO said: “We have a very good... View Article

US ideas reflects on new Papworth Hospital

Anish Kapoor provides an inspiration for HOK’s new Papworth Hospital, as Steve Menary reports. Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate is a highly polished bean-shaped sculpture at the centre of AT&T Plaza at Millennium Park in Chicago. The sculpture by the Indian-born... View Article

Recycling space and structures to create new homes

Jess Unwin learns how clever and flexible design is helping to create much-needed modern rented apartments that integrate with existing communities. Canny architectural design should be able to help meet both the UK’s desperate need for more affordable homes and... View Article

Treating damp and water ingress in historic and listed buildings

The fundamental challenge when dealing with buildings of special architectural or historic interest is to maintain structural and aesthetic integrity, while remaining sympathetic in the product application and still achieving the desired effect. Toby Champion of Newton Waterproofing Systems reports.... View Article

Construction consultants comment on new housebuilding proposals

Commenting on the proposals for 200,000 new ‘affordable homes’ to be announced in David Cameron’s Conservative Party Conference speech later today, Michael Thirkettle, Chief Executive of leading property and construction consultants McBains Cooper, said: “The construction industry will welcome these... View Article

A giant leap forward

With the BBC due to demolish the corporation’s old Wales’ headquarters in Cardiff there will be few major examples of the architecture of renowned Welsh architect Sir Percy Thomas in the principality’s capital. One of those remnants is the Grade... View Article

Choosing the right floor covering

With an increased focus on infection control and healthy living environments the Care Sector is faced with a number of opinions and options when it comes to choosing the right floor covering, as Danfloor reports. The use of carpets is... View Article

The future of water

Jae Lester of Rainwater Harvesting Ltd examines the options for a Sustainable Water Supply for the future With changing weather patterns and urban growth stress is being placed on UK water supplies. Future building projects should have design criteria which... View Article

A whole new village – just for the retired

On the outskirts of Witney, architects PRC are helping Richmond Care Villages create a whole new village – just for the retired, as Steve Menary reports Getting old is hard to avoid and retirement is inevitable. The alternatives are not... View Article

British Design – Xintiandi Style

The RIBA Shanghai Windows project saw nine UK architects transform store fronts in the landmark Xintiandi shopping district in Shanghai. Stephen Cousins reports An ethereal artificial waterfall comprising 30,000 metres of translucent cord; an alien-inspired formation of shiny crystalline metal;... View Article

Listen to this!

John Spicer, technical sales manager for Armstrong Ceilings, advises seven things architects may not necessarily know about specifying ceilings Ceilings are capable of so much more than just disguising a soffit or void. They can optimise acoustics and occupant well-being... View Article

Rooflights and building excellence

Correct rooflight design at the outset of the building concept can have dramatic, positive effects on all aspects of the building from the owners potential asset value to the wellbeing and productivity of the final occupants. Phil Beswick, specification sales... View Article