The soft/hard debate

Choosing your flooring is undoubtedly one of the most important elements of a self-build – but should you go for for carpet or hard flooring? Selfbuilder & Homemaker’s Roseanne Field weighs up the pros and cons Choosing the flooring for... View Article

The natural alternative: healthy results

With greater focus placed on healthier environments in addition to performance and sustainability, there has been increasing interest in lesser-known technologies. Mark Lynn describes the compelling benefits of natural insulation. We have long been familiar with the use of natural... View Article

Vinyl is back in fashion

From music to flooring, vinyl has made a comeback, and it is more versatile than ever. Flooring specialists Gerflor examine the trends . Bold design statements can either pay off stunningly well or, much like the derided 1970s pebble-dash, backfire... View Article

Ask the architects – Brexit

Brexit raises a host of questions and issues for UK architectural practices, not least on the future for their EU-national employees. Norman Hayden asked a selection of key players for their thoughts as the UK heads into a new phase.... View Article

Future Watch – Teodora Lyumbomirova on acoustics

With the housing crisis forcing developers to build homes at higher density, Teodora Lyubomirova examines how architects and clients need to look beyond the limitations of current regulations to achieve good acoustics Since the last substantial change to Approved Document... View Article

View Point – Sonal Rathod from PLP

Sonal Rathod from PLP comments on the impact that Brexit is having on the firm, which currently employs a large number of EU staff. Employees from the EU bring a breadth of international experience and different schools of thought to... View Article

An education in modular buildings

Andy King of Wernick Buildings gives a lesson in how modular construction can delivering the extra space schools need for the future, without added disruption. With pupil numbers in UK schools forecasted to increase over the coming years, space is... View Article

Fifty shades of green

Green roofs have proven benefits but care must be taken when choosing from the different types of systems available, says ZinCo director Fabian Kaiser. From creating green havens in concrete-dominated cities to safeguarding the waterproofing system of a building, the... View Article

Specifying for high performance

Vernon Charles of Prospec offers a route through the specification minefield for washroom surface materials and storage. Wowing visitors with bespoke design and elaborate finishes in washrooms can boost brand identity and cement a business’ reputation. But while manufacturers are... View Article

Securely in control

Electronic access control systems can enhance security by offering a centralised solution to building management. Systems manufacturer Paxton explains further. The protection of employees and assets is a priority for any business, so an adequate access control system can go... View Article

Site Lines – Predictions of success

James Parker uncovers how the predictable quality offered by off-site construction using timber is being seen as a key part of solving the housing crisis. Modular construction is the hot topic currently, against the backdrop of the need to increase... View Article

Practice Profile – Pellings

Norman Hayden traces the growth of a practice with a well-defined design vision, and a clear focus on balancing affordability with functionality and beauty. Architects tend to project their vision slightly cryptically across their branding, so it’s somewhat unusual that... View Article

Solid credentials

Brian Newell of Shackerley explains how ceramic granite can transform buildings thanks to a mixture of durability and design versatility . Ventilated facade cladding is well proven and widely used as an aesthetically versatile approach to completing the building envelope,... View Article

Fire safety in multi-storey buildings is a hot issue

Tim Vincent of Rockwool explains why specifiers should consider non-combustible stone wool insulation in multi-storey buildings. Buildings over 18 metres in height present numerous challenges when it comes to insulation requirements and fire safety standards. Given that most fires occur... View Article

Showcasing key brick trends

The annual Brick Awards celebrate every aspect of brick design and construction and showcase some of the key trends. These trends were evident in the Brick Development Association’s 2016 awards held in November, particularly these highly commended and award winning... View Article

Going for the ‘gold standard’

How ‘zero compromise’ do architects need to be when designing envelopes to the Passivhaus standard and are aesthetic, and other compromises necessary? Sarah Johnson reports on the challenges involved. The Passivhaus standard is often seen as the ‘gold standard’ for... View Article

Sealing the deal of airtightness

Iain Fairnington of the A.Proctor Group, discusses how the performance of the building envelope can be improved through airtight membranes. The need for airtightness is driven by the global challenge to reduce carbon emissions and the drive to create more... View Article