Setting the right standards

Standards and regulations are important. They make sure your vehicle is safe on the road, ensure tools work effectively and help keep doors and windows in place and secure for years to come. However, ensuring everything you do is compliant... View Article

Highland Housing Alliance shortlisted for UK-wide award

Highland Housing Alliance has been shortlisted for the “Best Regeneration Project” award at the Inside Housing Development Awards Inside Housing is a key industry body in the UK social housing sector, and the Development Awards are some of the most... View Article

SIPs vs traditional construction

Ian Clay of SIPS@Clays offers a few points to consider when choosing the build method for your new home and why SIPs deliver the perfect solution compared with traditional brick and block construction With so many decisions to be made... View Article

A sustained effort

The end result of Sarah and Andy Ball’s somewhat gruelling self-build saga is a sleek, modern ‘forever’ home in Derby, with wide-open views of landscape plus space, comfort and sustainability Over the past couple of years we have tracked the... View Article

Familial territory

While most people undertaking a project will buy an unfamiliar plot or house, possibly even in an unfamiliar area, a couple in Cheshire took the opposite approach, building next door to the in-laws Some would shy away from a property... View Article

Pellet stoves: style and substance

Specflue’s Ian Sams explains why pellet stoves offer an ideal heating solution for self-builders, from their environmental credentials and aesthetic appeal to the best units’ ease of use and installation As any self-builder knows, the secret to a successful project... View Article

Child’s play

Play experts Foamë offer a ‘how-to’ guide on taking the right steps towards creating a safe home environment for children which still looks great While children should always be monitored, their curious nature means that it can seem impossible to... View Article

Shoreham Beachbox plans get the green light

Internationally-renowned development company Boxpark has received planning permission to create a landmark seafront dining destination and community cafe on Shoreham Beach. The Brighton-based firm – who are behind acclaimed casual dining and retail developments in Shoreditch, Croydon and Wembley – received approval... View Article

Norwich council estate named UK’s best new building

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has named Goldsmith Street in Norwich, designed by Mikhail Riches with Cathy Hawley, as the winner of the 2019 RIBA Stirling Prize. The annual prize, presented since 1996, is awarded to the UK’s best new building. Goldsmith... View Article

Network Rail wins 2019 RIBA Client of the Year

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have announced Network Rail as the winner of the 2019 RIBA Client of the Year. The annual RIBA award recognises the role that a good client plays in championing brilliant architecture. Since its foundation... View Article

Cork House wins Stephen Lawrence Prize 2019

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has named Cork House, an ingenious carbon-neutral private house in Berkshire, made almost entirely from cork, as winner of the 2019 Stephen Lawrence Prize. Cork House, by Matthew Barnett Howland with Dido Milne and Oliver Wilton has... View Article

Going green on top

Victoria Ramwell from Kemper System discusses specification best practice and the key considerations for green roofs, including design, location and waterproofing aspects Green roofs are evolving rapidly, transforming from a specialist eco-feature to a more mainstream technology which can be... View Article

Good things come to those who wait

Finally moving in to their dream self-built home in Norfolk was a very long time coming for David and Deanna Martin One of the most intimidating aspects of buying a plot of land and building your own house is worrying... View Article

SOUND THE ALARM

When it comes to the detection of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide (CO) in high rise buildings, it is vital to get it right first time. With this in mind, it’s crucial to be aware of the most effective alarm... View Article