The future of water

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
The RIBA Shanghai Windows project saw nine UK architects transform store fronts in the landmark Xintiandi shopping district in Shanghai

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 Shanghai Xintiandi An ethereal artificial waterfall comprising 30,000 metres of translucent cord; an alien-inspired formation of shiny... 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

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
The importance of interiors

Got the look?

How interiors can increase the value and desirability of your property. By Sarah Ritchie, creative director of The Gifted Few. The importance of interiors There are a number of factors potential house buyers consider when looking around a property. Is it in the... View Article

SIPs suitability

With an increasing drive to ensure homes are as efficient as possible – particularly where heating, cooling and ventilation is concerned – it is important to carefully consider the various housebuilding options available to ensure minimal thermal losses. Here, Andrew Carpenter, chief executive of the Structural Timber Association (STA) looks at... View Article
The steel alternative

The steel alternative

Mike Rawlings from Saint Gobain PAM challenges housebuilders to look beyond alternative rainwater systems and consider specifying a steel system. Steel rainwater systems are quickly becoming a great alternative for all types of dwellings and offer significant benefits for social housing. The material is making... View Article
Staying informed and within the law with invasive plant legislation

Staying informed and within the law with invasive plant legislation

David Layland, joint managing director of treatment specialist Japanese Knotweed Control (JKC) offers a timely warning to landowners and developers on the perils of ignoring the latest invasive plant legislation. A difficult and expensive burden, invasive, non-native plants have long been the scourge... View Article
Achieving the elusive zero carbon status

Achieving the elusive zero carbon status

Michael Goddard, director of housebuilder Caplin Homes, assesses some of the challenges of the renewable technologies available to housebuilders and explores how a new application could change the future of eco building. Structural building design has improved dramatically in recent years and the... View Article
A striking blend of modern architectural design and heritage transport infrastructure

Sleek new interchange design delivers the best of both worlds

A striking blend of modern architectural design and heritage transport infrastructure makes Altrincham Interchange something of a destination in itself. Ray Philpott reports. Atruly integrated transport interchange where it’s possible to access several different modes of transport with minimal effort... View Article
The magic of window film

The magic of film

Continuing advances in window film technology mean that a range of difficult glazing challenges in the transport sector can be met effectively and cost-efficiently. Micky Calcott, managing director of specialists, The Window Film Company, reveals how. Window Film The world... View Article

An oasis on the motorway

Designed as a cathedral to food, the new Gloucester services on the southbound M5 are the complete opposite to big-brand motorway fuel stops. Could they revolutionise motorway services’ design? Alison Harmer investigates At a stunning rural location flanking the Cotswolds... View Article

Planes, trains, automobiles… and street furniture

With tight budget restrictions and a multitude of requirements to fulfil, transport sector architects and specifiers are faced with a difficult task when choosing the right street furniture. Nigel Kightley, sales director at CIS Street Furniture, spotlights three products vital... View Article

Future-proofing transport infrastucture with steel

As passenger numbers grow, specifying the right materials to future-proof stations and airports has never been more important. Andrew Jackson, director at SAS International, looks at how steel solutions meet the required design flexibility and aesthetic demand while providing long-term... View Article