An ‘I’ on innovation

Angus Macfarlane of James Jones & Sons discusses the increasing popularity of I-joists, and their inherent economic, technical and environmental benefits for addressing the current challenges the housebuilding industry faces. With the Government’s promise to build 300,000 new homes per... View Article

Decking – do your homework

Sarah Francis of Arbor Forest Products gives an insight into how to spot quality decking products – both in terms of timber and composite options. Despite our changeable weather, we Brits are a nation of garden-lovers: even if it’s just... View Article

The multi-generational living opportunity

The growing trend of multiple generations living together in one house offers a whole new market for housebuilders – they just need to consider age-inclusive and flexible design options, says David Schill of Aritco Lifts. Much has been made of... View Article

Adaptive reuse, realised

Ben Heath, principal at Grimshaw, looks at how the practice returned to the Herman Miller factory in Bath to realise its original design intent of adaptive reuse, and harness the building’s flexibility to create a new school of art and... View Article

Get on board with fencing trends

Fencing products are now seen as an integral part of a garden’s overall landscape, and an important aesthetic choice. Antony Reed of Birkdale looks at the latest fencing trends, and explores design choices that can garner impressive visual results In... View Article

Playful participation

In designing a riverside replacement for Chelmsford’s main swimming pool and gym, Pick Everard followed a brief to increase local community participation. James Parker reports In 2014, Chelmsford City Council undertook a condition survey on the only sports complex with... View Article

A HAPPI medium

Linden Court is PRP’s response to the Greater London Authority’s call for exemplar housing designed for retirement living. Project architect Mark Walker spoke to Sébastien Reed about how the HAPPI standard was key to the project’s success The Office for National... View Article

Discovering property management software

Property management software is a program made to help acquire and maintain property portfolios, which can be incredibly useful for landlords, letting agents and property managers. Jodie Deakin of Decorus for Sage explains its uses and benefits Property management software... View Article

Exercising fire safety with due diligence

BAFE Fire Safety Register discusses the importance of quality fire safety in housing management As we approach the third anniversary of the tragic Grenfell Tower Fire, premises management teams need to fully understand their legal (and ethical) obligations in keeping... View Article

Holistic sustainability for windows or doors

Martin McCrimmon of CMS Window Systems explains why window and door specifications need to take a holistic view on sustainability for wider social and environmental benefits. The performance capabilities of today’s advanced window and door systems – when designed, manufactured... View Article

Showering solutions

Providing the best showering solutions for refurbishments is arguably more complex than ever before, given the range of choice today. Ann Boardman of Saniflo UK explains how shower cubicles can help. Remember the days when being a student generally meant... View Article

Adding clarity to curtain wall design

Andrew Cooper of Senior Architectural Systems takes a closer look ‘behind the curtain wall’ to reveal the key issues specifiers should consider when choosing aluminium fenestration solutions Aluminium is robust, durable and fully recyclable – a perfect partner for modern-day... View Article

Storage solutions for awkward spaces

Megan Baker, head of design at My Fitted Bedroom, discusses how to make the most of awkward bedroom spaces, for maximum storage Bedrooms come in all different shapes and sizes, with awkward spaces being a common problem for many homeowners.... View Article

Daring to be different

Self-build Case Study: Ex-headteacher Joan Morters opted for a timber-built passive house system and a roof shaped like butterfly wings for her retirement home TEXT JESS UNWIN IMAGES JESS UNWIN & JOAN MORTERS Former teacher Joan Morters’ self-build story is... View Article

Recycled retreat

Self-Build Case Study: Almost everything was recycled or reinvented in Sally and John Medforth’s rural retreat TEXT Heather Dixon   IMAGES OF SELF-BUILD Dave Burton When Sally and John Medforth bought a hillside farm in Yorkshire it came with a series... View Article

A family affair

Self-Build Case Study: Many parents would feel sceptical about letting their child design their future home. But for one couple in Liverpool, handing over the reins to their daughter turned out to be the best decision they made TEXT ANNA... View Article

Making the most of MMC

Oliver Rehm of kit house provider Baufritz discusses the increasing move towards offsite ‘modern methods of construction’ (MMC), why self-builders should consider it, and what offsite manufacturers can do to help them on their journey What is your assessment of... View Article

Right as rain

Sally Moores of Yeoman Rainguard outlines the choices of metal rainwater system available to self-builders, and how to decide which is best for your project With an abundant choice of rainwater systems on the market there is certainly no lack... View Article

The climate challenge

Paddy Leighton of Icynene UK explains how new high performance insulation systems can contribute towards combatting climate change The Committee for Climate Change Report ‘UK Housing: Fit for the Future,’ states that better standards of insulation in new build and... View Article

Make windows a safe bet

Amy Blount of Reynaers at Home looks at the key considerations when specifying windows for your build – including security as well as material choices and installation issues At their core, windows provide one of any property’s most vital functions... View Article