A lesson to learn

Creating educational buildings with zero energy usage and carbon footprints is perfectly possible. So why aren’t we building more? Neil Smith of design firm UK Energy Partners shares his thoughts. There’s no doubt the way we design and construct buildings consumes... View Article

Knowledge is power

Teachers know schools best and their input can be vital during a redesign. Pellings partner Nicolas Maari argues for the benefits of encouraging teachers to have a say in the design of UK schools. The soaring demand for school places... View Article

The convenience of co-ordination

Architects are increasingly looking to tie washroom design into the overall look of a building’s interior – and high-spec products are becoming more commonplace. Trevor Bowers of Washroom Washroom explores the diverse range of solutions on offer. By continually pushing... View Article

Bridging the performance gap

The movement to build ‘eco’ has led to greater focus on the importance of insulation, but the industry needs to ensure projects are built ‘as designed’ says Recticel’s Peter Wilcox. The final Evidence Review Report produced by the Zero Carbon... View Article

Structural glazing: Reshaping the modern skyline

As technology evolves, glass continues to be seen at the core of many exciting and iconic buildings, enabling achitects to achieve their goals. Phil Savage of Pilkington discusses the growing importance of glass in modern building design. A look across... View Article

Opinion: Carbon neutrality – a norm, not an aspiration

Earlier this year the Government scrapped its zero carbon homes plan – again. Darren Evans outlines why architects and developers must not abandon the zero carbon agenda. In May of this year the Government overruled the House of Lords and scrapped the... View Article

Calling for a shift in focus

Frank Werling of Finnish wood specialists Metsä Wood says the green agenda in construction must shift towards sustainable production of building materials – and timber leads the way as an alternative to steel and concrete. A brief history of timber... View Article

Why a wood first policy stacks up

Greg Cooper of B & K Structures discusses the positive impact which cross laminated timber has made within the built environment. As construction makes up a total of 45 per cent of carbon emissions in the UK, sustainability is an important... View Article

Timber reaches new heights

‘How tall’ is now the question facing those striving to build the tallest timber buildings around the world. Peter Wilson of Timber Design Initiatives explains that as the boundaries of engineered timber technology expand, the use of wood in buildings... View Article

Building-in cost benefits

As construction heads towards decarbonisation, choice of building materials is increasingly crucial. Andrew Carpenter of the Structural Timber Association (STA) outlines why timber provides built-in cost benefits. Cost is one of the main considerations for architects and specifiers when choosing a... View Article

The power of vaults

Jeremy Cassady of Securikey looks at how modular vault systems can provide an effective, easy-to-install bespoke system for high security applications. When clients are storing expensive equipment and valuables, sensitive documents and drugs or chemicals, the risks are extremely high, both in... View Article

SITE LINES – Shaping spaces for people

Architect and professor Fabrizio Rossi Prodi offers five principles for creating residential developments with rich and diverse opportunities for social interaction as well as a distinctive character, with a particular focus on social housing. A research project on social housing... View Article

Practice Profile – BuckleyGrayYeoman

BuckleyGrayYeoman is a name that is increasingly heard in connection with award-winning projects, as Norman Hayden discovers. Over the past 20 years BuckleyGrayYeoman has developed a growing reputation for delivering high-quality design that has been acknowledged by a number of... View Article

Opening up the possibilities

Garage doors have improved hugely in recent years as the value placed on them by homeowners has increased. David O’Mara of Hörmann looks at the different options available and how to decide which is best for you Garage doors have... View Article