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

3D printing shows its metal

Research into 3D printing using metal has produced the world’s first complex steel components and plans to print an entire steel bridge in mid air using automated robots. Stephen Cousins reports. The large scale application of 3D printing, or additive... View Article

European Copper in Architecture Awards 2015

An international team of architect judges has shortlisted ten projects for the 2015 European Copper in Architecture Awards, a celebration of the very best in contemporary architecture. By Chris Hodson. The seventeenth iteration of these popular, biennial architectural awards recognises... View Article

Bespoke Iron Castings

The principles of iron casting are pretty much the same as they have been for centuries; the technology, skills, materials and understanding have all progressed. Michael Hinchliffe, managing director, Hargreaves Foundry, gives us his view. Something foundries hear all too... View Article

A fresh approach to facade aesthetics

The sustainability and design life of zinc, copper and stainless steel facade and roofing systems have been major drivers affecting their growth. Improved cost effectiveness has also encouraged greater awareness of their technical performance and the scope they provide to... View Article

Metal offers a sustainable future

The Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA) explains how metal building envelope systems contribute significantly to the sustainable design concept, thanks to its high recycled content, recyclability and energy efficiency. The Government has announced the end of the UK’s... View Article

Rolled Lead Sheet – spanning the centuries

Richard Diment, Chief Executive, Lead Sheet Association, discusses how a traditional material successfully bridges the gap between old and new. It is always satisfying to see a tried and tested traditional material finding modern uses. Rolled Lead Sheet has been... View Article

Operational energy efficiency

Dr Justin Furness, CAB technical director, discusses why aluminium is an energy-efficient option and outlines the role of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) in responsible sourcing. The need for investment in energy efficient buildings has featured in several of the... View Article

Why metal gutters are the popular choice

The Metal Gutter Manufacturers Association (MGMA) explains why metal gutter systems are growing in popularity. If you are looking for a rainwater system that really performs and stands the tests of time, metal systems should be the first choice. Although... 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